WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is aphasia? Aphasia is a condition that decreases the ability to speak, read, write, or understand others. Aphasia can be a short-term or long-term problem.

What causes aphasia? Aphasia usually results from brain damage. A stroke is the most common brain injury that causes aphasia. Other causes include brain diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimer disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of aphasia?

• Nonfluent aphasia: This is also called Broca aphasia. The person has trouble finding and speaking words, even for short phrases. Writing may also be affected.
  
  
• Fluent aphasia: This is also called Wernicke aphasia. The person may speak in long sentences that have no meaning. He may add useless words or even make up new words. He may have trouble understanding what others say. Reading may also be affected.
  
  
• Global aphasia: This is the most severe form of aphasia. The person may have difficulty expressing himself and understanding what other people say. Both reading and writing may be affected.

How is aphasia diagnosed?

• An MRI of the head takes pictures of your brain, blood vessels, and skull. You may be given contrast liquid to help the pictures show up better. Tell a healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell a healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
  
  
• PET scan: Pictures are taken of the brain so the healthcare provider can find damaged areas.
  
  
• Speech-language assessment: A specialist called a speech-language pathologist tests the person's ability to speak and read.

How is aphasia treated? Some people recover without treatment. Medicines or surgery may be needed to treat the initial brain injury. These treatments may also improve aphasia. Most people with aphasia need speech-language therapy. The person may be frustrated when he tries to communicate. Speech-language therapy can teach him to speak slowly, use simple sentences, and avoid background noise.

Where can I find support and more information?

• National Aphasia Association
  350 Seventh Avenue
  New York , NY10001
  Phone: 1- 800 - 922-4622
  Web Address: http://www.aphasia.org
  

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  2200 Research Boulevard
  Rockville , MD 20850-3289
  Phone: 1- 800 - 638-8255
  Web Address: http://www.asha.org
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.