Aphasia
Original Editor - Cindy John-Chu
Top Contributors - Cindy John-Chu, Niha Mulla, Shaimaa Eldib, Rucha Gadgil, Chelsea Mclene, Pacifique Dusabeyezu, Kim Jackson and Candace Goh
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Aphasia is a condition that results from damage to areas of the brain responsible for language, which for most people is located in the left hemisphere of the brain[1]. The condition presents as an impairment to comprehension or formulation of language and is often caused by diseases and disorders affecting the brain, with cerebrovascular accident being the most common cause[2].
Causes of Aphasia[edit | edit source]
Aphasia can occur from a number of brain injuries such as:
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Severe blows to the head
- Tumours
- Gunshot wounds
- Brain infections
- Progressive neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease[1]
Types of Aphasia[edit | edit source]
These include:
- Broca's aphasia.
- Occurs from damage to the temporal lobe
- Patients may understand what is being said them, know what response to give but may often reply with short phrases with so much effort.
- May become frustrated from their difficulty in communicating clearly
- May often present with right hemiparesis/hemiplegia as the frontal lobe is also important for motor movements.
- Wernicke's aphasia
- Occurs from damage to the temporal lobe
- Is characterised by patients composing and speaking long, complete sentences that have no meaning. They may even formulate new words to express theselves.
- They experience difficulty in understanding speech.
- These patients are often unaware of the speaking blunders.
- Global Aphasia
- May have trouble understanding simple words and sentences
- May be limited in their ability to speak and comprehend language.[1]
Resources[edit | edit source]
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