Aphasia is the inability to do...what?
Aphasia is a condition that robs you of the ability to communicate. It can affect your ability to speak, write and understand language, both verbal and written.
Aphasia typically occurs suddenly after a stroke or a head injury. But it can also come on gradually from a slow-growing brain tumor or a disease that causes progressive, permanent damage (degenerative). The severity of aphasia depends on a number of conditions, including the cause and the extent of the brain damage.
Once the cause has been addressed, the main treatment for aphasia is speech and language therapy. The person with aphasia relearns and practices language skills and learns to use other ways to communicate. Family members often participate in the process, helping the person communicate.
More Info:
www.mayoclinic.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
23 Comments
earlepg
I found out what that word means the hard way; by having my very own stroke back in 2008. Since I retired 6.5 years earlier, it didn't cause much of an jnterruption. Somehow went to the neighbor's house for help and they contacted the fire department. I have no idea how we communicated. Still having a little problem with speech, arithmetic, and memory.
Howard Groopman
I knew this only because actor Bruce Willis recently was diagnosed with it.
Jacinta Cannon
they may not be able to speak but people can still communicate
hjwwilt
Aphasia can also occur temporarily in migraine patients, either just before the headache stage, during the headache itself, or after the headache has passed. It can also occur in all three stages. Once the migraine attack is completely over the aphasia disappears. I know this from personal experience and from discussions with other migraine patients.
Steve Tingle
Sadly recent news is Bruce Wilis has been forced to retire because of it.
catmom
Bruce Willis has this.
marilynmitri
I especially remember one patient I had when I was a working nurse. The man had just been admitted that day, and I was told he'd had a stroke and couldn't talk. I went to see him and said I know you can't talk, but maybe you can write. He smiled and nodded. I gave him pen and paper, but he couldn't write either. But he could understand everything I said! Never assume anything.
Paulette Arnold
Kelly Tharp, as a retired RN, I worked at a rehab hospital and saw many wonderful results from physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. These are wonderful medical fields of study. The work is satisfying in most cases as you can see the results.
casey copus
This is a terriable thing. My dad had an aneurysm and had to learn everything again. It is a hard struggle. Good luck and God bless.
Carol Wymer
jonbroberts, also helps with Parkinson's disease.
Maia
hjwwilt, I agree; during a migraine I can barely speak three words.
Maia
jonbroberts, it's amazing what aerobic exercise can do to improve not just the body, but intellectual ability and the psyche.
fdeisner
Howard Groopman,
That is also how are you learned about it
Kelly Tharp
Occupational Therapists also work with people being able to regain writing skills motorically. Many aphasia pts I worked with also had visual perceptual problems from damage to the parietal lobe adjacent to the area of speech and language. One of my most interesting areas of practice over the years.
steve
Aphasia is a symptom, not a disease. There is something else horribly wrong, and when it is diagnosed, this will give the best treatment options for the aphasia.
garrett scott
In my training to become a speech/language pathologist, I dealt with a number of aphasics. All I dealt with had some form of communication challenges. All but one had some speech. I believe it is a disservice to aphasics to define them as was done with the first statement in the answer.
Char
earlepg, I know a man who had a brain tumor and suffers this. Along with hearing going because I suggested books on cassette or CD. Also says trouble with comprehensive capabilities..
Don't give up just keep trying so it gets better...