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Aphasia

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Aphasia

Definition

Aphasia is a problem that affects the ability to speak, write, and understand language.

Causes

Aphasia is caused by an injury to the brain, such as:

  • Stroke—most common cause
  • Head injury
  • Brain tumor
  • Brain infection
  • Disorders that cause problems with nervous system cells, such as Alzheimer disease
Stroke.

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Risk Factors

Aphasia is more common in older adults. It is also more common in people who have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke.

Symptoms

Aphasia is a symptom of an underlying problem. A person may have:

  • Problems speaking:
    • Speaking in short, broken phrases
    • Putting words in the wrong order
    • Using incorrect grammar
    • Switching sounds or words
    • Saying that do not have meaning and do not make sense
    • Trouble finding the names for everyday words
  • Problems understanding speech:
    • Needing extra time to process language
    • Problems following very fast speech
    • Taking the literal meaning of a figure of speech
  • Problems reading
  • Problems writing

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Speech, language, and communication tests may be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis. A doctor who treats the nervous system may also need to be seen.

Other tests may be done to find the cause of the aphasia.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to help a person be able to communicate. The cause of aphasia will also need to be treated.

Speech and language therapy will be needed to:

  • Restore lost skills
  • Learn how to use existing skills
  • Learn other ways to communicate

Prevention

There are no guidelines to prevent aphasia. It is caused by underlying health problems.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Aphasia. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Aphasia.
  • Aphasia due to cerebrovascular disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/aphasia-due-to-cerebrovascular-disease-1.
  • Aphasia. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) website. Available at: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/aphasia.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.