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Aphasia-associated Anomia

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

Condition

Aphasia-associated Anomia

(Anomia, Aphasia-associated; Nominal Aphasia; Anomic Aphasia; Difficulty Naming Objects and People)

Definition

Aphasia-associated anomia is when a person has problems naming people and things.

Stroke—Most Common Cause of Aphasia.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Causes

This problem is caused by an injury to the brain. Stroke is the most common cause. Aphasia-associated anomia can also be caused by:

Risk Factors

Aphasia-associated anomia is more common in older adults. It is also more common in people who have:

Symptoms

A person with aphasia-associated anomia has problems finding the right word when speaking and writing, such as:

  • Describing things in general instead of with specifics: “that place where you sleep” for “bedroom”
  • Saying what a thing does, but not what it is: “that thing you drive” for “car”

Most people can understand speech and read.

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 need to be seen.

Other tests may be done to find the cause.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to treat what is causing the aphasia-associated anomia and help a person regain their lost skills. Speech and language therapy can help. It can also help a person learn to use their existing skills and find other ways to communicate.

Prevention

Aphasia-associated anomia cannot be prevented. It is caused by underlying health problems, such as stroke.

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 Communicative Disorders website. Available at: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/aphasia.
  • Aphasia. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/aphasia.
  • Lavoie M, Macoir J, Bier N. Effectiveness of technologies in the treatment of post-stroke anomia: A systematic review. J Commun Disord, 2017; 65: 43-53.

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.