What is aphasia?
How is aphasia diagnosed?
Aphasia is usually first recognized by the physician who treats the individual for his or her brain injury, usually a neurologist. The physician typically performs tests that require the individual to follow commands, answer questions, name objects, and converse. If the physician suspects aphasia, the individual is often referred to a speech-language pathologist, who performs a comprehensive examination of the person’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write.
Development of aphasia
Aphasia develops as a result of brain damage. The origin of such brain damage is mostly a blood vessel disorder. Such a disorder is also called a stroke, cerebral haemorrhage, cerebral infarction or apoplexy. In medical terms it is called a CVA: Cerebral (=brains) Vascular (=blood vessel) Accident. Other causes for the development of aphasia are for example a trauma (an injury to the brains as a result of for example a (road) accident or a brain tumour.
Our brains need oxygen and glucose in order to function. If as a result of a CVA or one of the other causes the blood circulation in the brains is disrupted, brain cells die off on that location. In the brains there are all sorts of areas with different functions. For most people the areas for the use of language are located in the left half of the brains. In case of injury in these language areas we speak of aphasia.
What are the Complications associated with Aphasia?
Aphasia can have a negative effect on a number of aspects of life, as communication is fundamental to day to day living. It can affect things such as personal relationships and work and can result in the patient suffering frustration and distress.
All of these can contribute to heavy psychological stress which can then lead to depression. Research has proven this to be a common complication of aphasia with approximately 25% of people diagnosed suffering depression at some point.
It is advised that someone with aphasia suffering from depression go to support groups or see their doctor about treatment.
How can Aphasia be prevented?
With the main cause of aphasia being a stroke, taking measures to avoid having one would lower the risk of aphasia. Precautions that can be taken to reduce stroke risk are:
regular exercise
eating healthily
monitoring and controlling blood pressure
avoiding tobacco use
keeping alcohol consumption low
managing stress
If someone is suffering a stroke, getting them medical attention as soon as possible is crucial to recovery. There are certain signs to look out for that can determine if someone is suffering or about to suffer a stroke, these are:
Blurred, blackened, or double vision
Dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance and coordination
Numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the body
Speech problems
Sudden severe headache