What is Aphasia?

Aphasia results from an injury to the brain and is considered an acquired neurogenic language disorder. Aphasia is caused by damage to the language centers of the brain.  Common causes of aphasia include stroke, brain tumors, brain surgery, brain infections, traumatic brain injury, and progressive neurological diseases (e.g., dementia).

Aphasia may negatively impact a person in four primary areas:

• Spoken language expression – common signs and symptoms include but are not limited to difficulty finding words, speaking in single words or short, fragmented phrases, substituting words, making up words, and grammatical errors.
• Spoken language comprehension – common signs and symptoms include but are not limited to difficulty understanding spoken speech, needing extra time to understand verbal messages, and hard to follow rapid speech (e.g., television shows).
• Written expression – common signs and symptoms include but are not limited to difficulty copying or writing letters, words, and sentences, writing nonsense syllables or words, and writing sentences with incorrect grammar.
• Reading comprehension – common signs and symptoms include but are not limited to difficulty comprehending written material, difficulty sounding out words, struggles with recognizing words by sight, and substituting associated words for a word (e.g., “chair” for couch).

Symptoms can co-occur with other speech and language impairments such as dysarthria and apraxia of speech.

Treatment for aphasia is individualized to address the specific areas of need.  Specific treatment protocols will vary, dependent on each individual’s unique language profile and needs in communication. The ultimate goal of treatment is to maximize quality of life and communication success, using the approach or combination of approaches that best meets the individual’s needs.

How can I get started?

At Therapy Care, we’ve helped many others recover from aphasia and can help you too. If you are in Batavia or the surrounding area and need immediate care, request an appointment with rehabilitation today. Let our trained speech therapists help you feel your best again.

If you or a loved one recently suffered from a stroke, don’t hesitate to seek the proper rehabilitation. Get started on the path by scheduling a consultation with Therapy Care Batavia, IL today.

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