Quick Answer
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder caused by damage to the language areas of the brain, most often after a stroke. It can disrupt speaking, listening, reading, and writing, but it does not affect a person’s intelligence.
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that results from damage to the parts of the brain that contain language, but does not affect intelligence. It causes problems with any or all of the following: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Affected individuals may also have other problems, such as dysarthria, apraxia, or swallowing deficiencies. (National Aphasia Association) (asha.org)
How common is aphasia?
The term is unfamiliar to many, yet an estimated 1 million Americans of all ages have it, most as the result of a stroke, and 100,000 people are diagnosed with it each year. Approximately one-third of individuals with a severe head trauma are affected. (heritage.com)
Signs to watch for
A person with aphasia may:
- Speak in short or incomplete sentences
- Speak in sentences that don’t make sense
- Speak unrecognizable words
- Not comprehend other people’s conversation
- Interpret figurative language literally
- Write sentences that don’t make sense
The severity and scope of the problems depend on the extent of damage and the area of the brain affected. Some people may comprehend what others say relatively well but struggle to find words to speak. Other people may be able to understand what they read but yet can’t speak so that others can understand them. (mayoclinic.com)
Types of the condition
Your doctor may refer to it as nonfluent, fluent or global:
Nonfluent
Broca aphasia
Damage to the language network near the left frontal area of the brain usually results in Broca’s, also called the nonfluent type. People struggle to get words out, speak in very short sentences and leave out words — for example “Want food” or “Walk park today.” A listener can usually understand the meaning. People may comprehend others to some degree, are often aware of their difficulty and may get frustrated, and may also have right-sided paralysis or weakness.
Fluent
Wernicke aphasia
Wernicke’s results from damage to the language network in the middle left side of the brain and is often called the fluent type. People may speak fluently in long, complex sentences that don’t make sense or include unrecognizable, incorrect or unnecessary words. They usually don’t comprehend spoken language well and often don’t realize others can’t understand them.
Global
Global aphasia
This form results from extensive damage to the brain’s language networks. People with it have severe disabilities with both expression and comprehension.
Type descriptions adapted from mayoclinic.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Aphasia
Does the condition affect a person’s intelligence?
No. The condition damages the parts of the brain that handle language, not the parts responsible for intelligence. A person with the disorder often knows exactly what they want to say but cannot retrieve or produce the words. Their thinking, memory of who people are, and reasoning are typically intact, which is why patience and good communication support matter so much.
What usually causes aphasia?
Most cases follow a stroke that interrupts blood flow to the brain’s language areas. It can also result from severe head trauma, brain tumors, or progressive neurological conditions. About one-third of people with a severe head injury experience this language loss.
What is the difference between Broca and Wernicke aphasia?
The Broca (nonfluent) type comes from damage near the left frontal area; speech is effortful and short, but comprehension is often partly preserved and the person is usually aware of the problem. The Wernicke (fluent) type comes from damage in the middle left side; speech flows easily but may not make sense, and comprehension is poor, often without the person realizing it.
Living With Aphasia
Can it get better over time?
Many people regain language ability, especially with speech-language therapy that begins soon after the injury. The degree of recovery depends on how much of the brain was damaged and which areas were affected. Family involvement and consistent practice support stronger gains.
Is aphasia the same as dysarthria or apraxia?
No, although they can occur together. Aphasia is a language disorder affecting words and meaning, while dysarthria is a weakness or poor coordination of the speech muscles, and apraxia is difficulty planning the movements for speech. A person with the condition may also have dysarthria, apraxia, or swallowing difficulties.
Who should evaluate someone with suspected aphasia?
A certified speech-language pathologist evaluates and treats the condition, usually as part of a medical team following a stroke or brain injury. Early assessment helps identify the type and severity and guides a treatment plan. You can learn more through the
role speech-language pathologists play in recovery.
