Disease Insights: aphasia
Welcome to the ultimate guide on aphasia. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.
Description for aphasia
A language disorder caused by brain damage, affecting speech, writing, or comprehension.
Symptoms of aphasia
difficulty finding the right wo, difficulty speaking, difficulty understanding spe, inability to write, trouble reading
Precautions for aphasia
Engage in speech therapy, Practice speech exercises, Use communication aids if necessary, Stay patient and consistent with
Questions Covered:
- what is aphasia?
- What are the usual symptoms of aphasia?
- causes of aphasia?
- What are the potential risk factors associated with aphasia?
- How do doctors usually figure out if someone has aphasia, diagnosis?
- What are the ways to prevent aphasia?
Answers:
Question: what is aphasia?
Aphasia is a communication disorder that can interfere with your verbal communication, written communication, or both. It's caused by damage to one or more areas of the brain that control language, and there are many types.
There are a few different types of aphasia. The type depends on the part of the brain that has been impacted. Aphasia can cause problems with your ability to:
According to the National Aphasia Association, aphasia affects about 2 million people in the United States, but many people have never heard of it.
Just because someone is living with aphasia does not mean they have a mental disorder or have lowered intelligence.
Question: What are the usual symptoms of aphasia?
Symptoms of aphasia can vary from mild to severe. They depend on where the damage occurs in your brain and the severity of that damage.
Many of the symptoms of the different types of aphasia can overlap, which is why it's essential to get a medical professional's opinion if you believe you or someone you love is living with aphasia.
Aphasia can affect your:
speaking
comprehension
reading
writing
expressive communication, which involves using words and sentences
receptive communication, which involves understanding the words of others
Symptoms that affect expressive communication can include:
speaking in short, incomplete sentences or phrases
speaking in sentences that others can't understand
using the wrong words or nonsense words
using words in the wrong order
Symptoms that affect receptive communication can include:
difficulty understanding other people's speech
difficulty following fast-paced speech
misunderstanding figurative speech
Question: causes of aphasia?
Aphasia occurs most often as a result of damage to one or more areas of your brain that control language.
Aphasia can occur due to:
a brain tumor
an infection
dementia or another neurological disorder
a degenerative disease
a head injury
a stroke
Strokes are the most common cause of aphasia. According to the National Aphasia Association, aphasia occurs in 25 to 40 percent of people who've had a stroke.
When to see a doctor
Because aphasia is often the result of a stroke, it's essential to speak with a doctor if you suddenly have difficulty:
speaking
comprehending others
reading
writing
Or, if you suddenly develop:
a weak or numb feeling in your arm
walking difficulties
drooping on one side of your face
a severe headache
A stroke is not always painful. Knowing the signs
may save your life.
Causes of temporary aphasia
Seizures or migraine can cause temporary aphasia.
Temporary aphasia can also occur due to a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which temporarily interrupts blood flow to your brain. A TIA is sometimes called a 'ministroke.'
The effects of a TIA include:
weakness
numbness of certain body parts
difficulty speaking
difficulty understanding speech
A TIA is different from a stroke because its effects are temporary, but it can also be a precursor to an actual stroke. Anyone who believes they've just dealt with a TIA should talk with a doctor immediately.
Question: What are the potential risk factors associated with aphasia?
Aphasia can affect people of all ages, including children.
Since strokes are the most common cause of aphasia, the majority of people with aphasia are middle-aged or older.
Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has aphasia, diagnosis?
If your doctor suspects you or someone you care for has aphasia, they may order imaging tests to find the source of the problem. A CT or MRI scan can help them identify the location and severity of the brain damage.
Your doctor may also screen you for aphasia during treatment for a brain injury or stroke. For example, they may test your ability to:
follow commands
name objects
participate in a conversation
answer questions
write words
read
If you have aphasia, a speech-language pathologist can help identify specific communication disabilities. During the examination, they'll test your ability to:
speak clearly
express ideas coherently
interact with others
read
write
understand verbal and written language
use alternative forms of communication
swallow
Question: What are the ways to prevent aphasia?
Many of the conditions that cause aphasia aren't preventable, such as brain tumors or degenerative diseases. However, the most common cause of aphasia is stroke. If you can work on reducing your risk of stroke, you can lower your risk of aphasia.
You can take the following steps to lower your risk of stroke:
Try to stop smoking if you smoke.
Drink alcohol in moderation.
Prioritize exercise.
Eat a diet that's lower in sodium and fat
Take steps to manage your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Take steps to manage diabetes or circulation problems if you have them.
Get treatment for atrial fibrillation if you have it.
Get immediate medical care if you develop the symptoms of a stroke.
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Additional Information and Resources:
Conclusion & Takeaways
Learning about aphasia is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.