Aphasia

Aphasia

Symptoms

• Suddenly not being able to speak, write or understand the meaning of words.

Damage to the language areas of the brain can cause you to lose the ability to speak, write or understand the meaning of words. This is called aphasia. A stroke, bleeding in brain or a severe head injury can damage the areas that control the understanding of written or spoken language.

Sometimes a person with aphasia may be able to understand what is said but may not be able to say or write what he or she is thinking. In other cases, a person may not be able to write but be able to speak. Yet in other cases, a person a person may have trouble finding the correct words to speak.

This person may only be able to speak and understand simple words. A person who is totally or almost totally unable to speak, understand or write has global aphasia.

Testing and Treatment

The reason for the aphasia must be determined. If you have aphasia, your doctor will probably do a physical exam, some basic blood test and a CT scan of the head to check for the cause of aphasia and the extent of the brain damage. 

A speech and hearing therapist may be able to help. Some recovery is unusual after a stroke or head injury.