Aphasia

Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that occurs as a result of brain damage. Those with aphasia may have difficulty speaking, reading, understanding language, and writing. Damage to the left half of the brain may result in problems with language, while damage to the right half of the brain may result in problems with memory and attention.

Symptoms of Aphasia

  • difficulty thinking of the words you want to say (anomia)

  • saying the wrong, but related word

  • switching sounds within words

  • using made-up words

  • difficulty producing sentences

  • combining made-up words with real words in sentences

  • difficulty understanding what others are saying, especially with longer sentences

  • trouble with understanding jokes

  • difficulty with reading or spelling

  • difficulty writing sentences

  • difficulty with math, using numbers, or telling time

Possible Causes of Aphasia

  • stroke (most common cause of aphasia)

  • brain tumor

  • traumatic brain injury

While stroke is the most common cause of aphasia, any brain injury can result in this acquired language disorder. Aphasia can be acquired by children and adults alike.

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