Aphasia is a disorder of language which can impact the person’s ability to use the language. It can affect their ability to talk and understand, as well as to write and read however, it is not always each of those. It usually occurs as a result of strokes.
Aphasia can occur due to brain damage that is linked to stroke or Alzheimer’s disease. The issues that an individual confronts depend on which areas that are in the affected brain. Research suggests that between 9 to 62 percent patients suffering from strokes experience some degree of Aphasia.
Aphasia in the past was a term used to describe an impairment complete of the person’s language and communication however dysphasia was a term used to define a the impairment of a person’s language.
There was confusion between dysphagia and dysphasia, the term aphasia, which is a disorder of swallowing, is now used to describe all levels of impairment.
The types and signs
Aphasia fluent or Wernicke’s aphasia
The individual is unable to comprehend the meaning of spoken words, yet they can create connected speech. But the speech might be a bit sloppy, with unrelated words erupting. Writing and reading may be difficult.
Aphasia with no fluoride, also known as Broca’s aphasia
Speech production can be described as brief, and is described as slow and difficult. It is difficult to locate words and to form sounds could be difficult. Writing can be affected, however, reading and comprehend is usually maintained.
Global Aphasia
It affects every aspect of the language. A person might be able to speak a few familiar words, but they will not comprehend speech, read or write.
Aphasia anomic
The person could create grammatically correct language however, they are unable to making sense of words and objects as they speak in a rambling manner when they attempt to explain their thoughts. Reading and listening might remain unaffected.
Aphasia sufferers typically have a difficult time in their ability to use the language and speech. They may be annoyed by their inability to communicate.
However, the nature of difficulty may differ in accordance with the type of aphasia.
The weakness or paralysis of one or both sides the body or face could cause speech production or the writing process more challenging. The muscles that allow you to breathe or swallow may be affected, which impacts the sound production process.
Causes
The brain part which controls speech and recognition of language is known as”the language center.. This includes Broca’s region and Wernicke’s zone. Aphasia occurs when there is damage to one of these areas of the brain and the neuronal pathways linking them.
Damage can be caused by:
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Epilepsy
- Migraine
- Brain tumor
- Alzheimer’s
- Parkinson’s
The form of aphasia is based on the part of the brain has been damaged.
Global aphasia is when there is a lot of damage to the language center. Fluent aphasia usually results from injuries to the temporal lobe or the side of the brain and non-fluent aphasia is in the event of damage or injury to on the front part of the brain.
Diagnosis
Aphasia is a condition that affects a large number of people. after a stroke. A speech-language pathologist can conduct an assessment to diagnose Aphasia as soon as the event occurs.
A few basic exercises that could aid in assessing the patient’s language skills are:
- Try to name out stuff that begins with a particular letter
- Writing or reading
- Conversations
- Knowing how to follow directions and commands
The Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination test includes exercises that thoroughly evaluate the ability of the patient’s speech.
A thorough diagnosis could comprise an Computerized Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan to pinpoint the area and extent of brain damage that is causing the Aphasia.
Treatment
Speech and language therapy is the primary treatment for Aphasia. The majority of people don’t get back full-time speaking abilities, however, speech therapy could lead to significant improvementin communication, even with global aphasia.
The goal of speech therapy is to reach:
- Improved use of existing skills in the language
- Enhancing language skills through revisiting them
- The ability to express yourself in an alternative manner to fill in the gaps of words in speech
Since there are different degrees of aphasia and not everyone learns the same manner Speech and language therapy methods will differ.
If you suffer from aphasia, seek advice from the experienced Speech Therapists like Speech Therapy Karachi.
Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT)
It is used to treat aphasia that is not fluent. This therapy the practice of singing or humming in rhythm, also known as melodic intonation. It involves repeating words and phrases that the patient is struggling with. This triggers the activity of the brain within the right hemisphere. It could help to increase the amount of words that patients can use.
The group therapy
A small number of people who suffer from aphasia get together with an therapist to communicate. The patients get an opportunity to work on and enhance their communication skills by engaging with a small group of individuals in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
Promoting Aphasic’s Communicative Effectiveness (PACE)
This is a form of therapy that enhances the patient’s communication abilities by engaging them in conversations. The patient is presented with an image or drawing and then asked to reply to the situation in any way they are able to. The conversation begins with a simple conversation, but as time passes it gets more complicated.
Computerized Script Training (CST)
The script is delivered by a computer built on daily conversations. The patient is given the opportunity to develop their communication skills by using real scenarios.
How can I help?
Some tips to assist people in communicating with someone who has Aphasia.
- Pay attention to the person’s gaze prior to beginning to speak and keep eye contact
- Reduce background noise
- Maintain your voice at a normal volume, but talk at a slower pace than you normally do.
- Keep sentences brief and simple and stay clear of questions that require an elaborate answer.
- Do not alter the topic of the conversation abruptly.
- Remove distracting sounds from background
- Don’t force the person to respond, and allow the person time to speak.
- Use Yes/No type questions
- Avoid correcting errors and downplay them, because they might be irritated by this.
- Participate in normal activities when it is
Be aware that their condition is impacting their communication and their tone might not represent their mood
Keep an eraser or a piece of paper along with a pen in your bag to help in communicating
Be aware that the person’s capacity to think is not impaired. Consider them to be intelligent adults, as you would before they developed aphasia.
Complications
Aphasia affects many aspects of our lives including relationships between people to economic well-being, as communication is essential to daily life. The patient may end up with a feeling of sadness and frustration and loved ones are likely to become frustrated. In addition to other effects from the stroke, an aphasia could result in depression.
A person who has aphasia should be advised to attend support groups and find someone who can help them develop their communication skills. If they’re at risk of developing depression, they must visit their doctor for the treatment options.
Before going to see a doctor, someone can help in practicing what they wish to say or record any questions they might have.
Stop strokes, stop the aphasia
The primary reason for aphasia is stroke, therefore the prevention of a stroke could reduce the risk of having aphasia.
The precautions you can take to accomplish this include:
- Exercising regularly
- Dietary health
- Controlling and monitoring blood pressure
- Beware of smoking cigarettes
- Keeping alcohol consumption low
- Managing stress
If you notice signs of a stroke it is essential to seek medical attention as quickly as you can, since it is essential to recover.
The signs that someone is suffering from or is on the verge of having stroke are:
- Blackened, blurred or double vision
- Dizziness, trouble walking losing coordination and balance
- Apathy, weakness, or weakness on one of your body’s sides
- Speech that is slurred
- Sudden severe headache
The F.A.S.T. acronym can assist people to recall what to do:
- Face: Has the individual’s face fallen to one side?
- Arms can they be raised?
- SPEECH: Does it sound slurred?
- TIME If any of these three is present, dial for immediate assistance
The prompt intervention of a doctor can save the life of a person and increase the likelihood of regaining a full recovery following a stroke.
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