Aphasia

There are many types of aphasia, which depend upon which area of the language-dominant side of the brain is affected and the extent of the damage. Types of aphasia include:

• Broca’s aphasia — includes damage to the front portion of the language-dominant side of the brain. People with Broca’s may eliminate the articles "and" and "the" from their language, and speak in short, but meaningful, sentences. They usually can understand some speech of others.
• Wernicke's aphasia — includes damage to the back portion of the language-dominant side of the brain. People with Wernicke’s may speak in long confusing sentences, add unnecessary words, or create new words. They usually have difficulty understanding the speech of others.
• Global aphasia — includes damage to a large portion of the language-dominant side of the brain. People with global aphasia have difficulties with speaking or comprehending language.

• Speak in short, confusing, or incomplete sentences
• Substitute one word for another or one sound for another
• Speak unrecognizable words
• Have difficulty finding words
• Not understand other people's conversation
• Not understand what they read
• Write sentences that don't make sense

Aphasia is caused by damage to the language-dominant side of the brain, usually the left side, and may be brought on by:

• stroke
• head injury
• brain tumor

It is currently unknown if aphasia causes the complete loss of language structure, or if it causes difficulties in how language is accessed and used.

A speech-language pathologist will assess aphasia by conducting language tests. 

Your assessment may include some of the following tasks:

• Stating personal information (name, birthdate, etc.)
• Answering yes / no questions
• Following single and multi-step directions
• Naming pictures or objects
• Answering open ended questions
• Participating in conversation
• Reading
• Writing

Making a diagnosis may also include the use of imaging procedures, such as:

• CT/CAT Scan (Computed Tomography)
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

Using this information, your SLP will identify your areas of communication strength and weakness, and develop a tailored therapy plan to help maximize and improve your language skills. Your SLP will implement a person-centered approach and focus on life participation as you learn to live with aphasia.