Aphasia is a speech and language disorder that occurs as a result of physical damage or paralysis to all or part of the areas of the brain responsible for language and speech.
What are the Symptoms of Aphasia?
The main symptoms are
- Difficulty in speaking
- Difficulty in naming
- Difficulty understanding
- Difficulty in reading and writing
- It can be listed as using strange and inappropriate words in speech.
What are the Types of Aphasia?
Symptoms of aphasia types vary. Common types are:
Arrested Aphasia: People with this type of aphasia know what they want to say but have difficulty in expressing their ideas and communicating with others. "It's on the tip of my tongue, but I can't say it." The expression is used for this type. Retardation is seen in both written and oral communication.
Fluent Aphasia: People with this type of aphasia have difficulties in making sense even though they can hear and read well. They often perceive words only in their literal meaning, regardless of how and where they are used. There is fluent speech but meaningful production is very limited.
Anomic Aphasia (fluent): These patients speak fluently and clearly but have difficulty with naming. Although they do not have problems in perception, they cannot name objects or have difficulty remembering the word they want to use. They also have difficulty with verbal and written expression.
Global Aphasia The most severe form of aphasia. It is usually seen immediately after a person has a stroke. People with this type of aphasia not only have difficulty speaking and understanding but also lose their ability to read and write.
Progressive Aphasia In progressive aphasia, a rare type of aphasia , people gradually lose the ability to speak, read, write and understand. Patients start to prefer to use alternative ways of communication such as hand gestures or facial expressions.
Aphasia can be mild or severe. People with mild aphasia can talk and converse but may have difficulty finding words or understanding complex speech. Severe aphasia, on the other hand, greatly affects a person's ability to communicate, and patients have serious difficulties in communicating effectively or understanding what is being said.
How is aphasia diagnosed?
After a stroke, brain injury or tumor aphasia is highly likely. Aphasic condition can be identified after neurological examination. In the process, the diagnosis is finalized as a result of the evaluation of language and speech skills.
How is it treated?
- Treatment may vary depending on certain factors:
- Age of the patient
- The cause of brain damage
- Aphasia type
- Location and size of the lesion
Speech and language therapy practices help alleviate symptoms in individuals with aphasia. The therapies aim to rehabilitate communication by using intervention techniques to help patients improve their speech and communication skills. Therapies include many speech and language production activities aimed at cognitive improvement. With the techniques applied, it is aimed for patients to regain the language and speech skills to communicate healthily again.
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