Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Stroke Aphasia Recovery Program
 

What is Aphasia??

Aphasia is the sudden loss of impairment of language caused by damage to a specific area in the brain.  Individuals with aphasia may have problem speaking, understanding the speech of others, reading, writing, and/or calculating.  While one person may struggle to "get the words out," another person may speak effortlessly but not understand what others say.  

What causes Aphasia??

In most persons, aphasia is caused by a stroke;  however, it can be a blow to the head or traumatic brain injury.  The onset is usually abrupt, occurring without warning in individuals who have no previous speech or language problems.  The effects of a stroke may range from slight to severe, depending on the degree of brain damage. 

What does Aphasia do??

Aphasia drastically affects the ability of the individual to return to work and other life activities.  The percentage of patients who can resume their ability to earn wages is lower in aphasia than in virtually any other handicap.  Other areas aphasia affects include social well-being, family relations, and financial resources. 

What is a stroke??

A sudden rupture or blockage of a blood vessel within the brain causing serious bleeding or local obstruction to blood flow in the brain, resulting in a stroke.

There are two types of strokes...

1.    Ischemic Stroke: involves complete or partial blockage of an artery  in the brain.

2.    Hemorrhage: involves bleeding within the skull or brain.

There are many different types of Aphasia:

* Some people who have Aphasia have a difficult time understanding what is being said to them.
 

*Some people who have Aphasia have a difficult time speaking.

*And some people who have Aphasia have a difficult time understanding people and a difficult time speaking.

Aphasia Definitions by the Experts

*    The National Aphasia Association states:

Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that
impairs a person's ability to process language,
but does not affect intelligence.
Aphasia impairs the ability to speak and understand others, and
most people with aphasia experience difficulty reading and writing.

(www.aphasia.org)

*    The Harvard Health Publications reads:

Difficulty speaking or comprehending language; a common occurrence after a stoke affecting the left hemisphere of the brain, where language is processed.