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What Is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a loss of language skills that includes understanding or producing language. Aphasia often happens after a stroke. But it can also happen from brain injury, tumors, or neurological disorders. People with aphasia may not be able to express their thoughts (expressive aphasia) or understand others (receptive aphasia).
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| A speech therapist may help a person with aphasia regain his or her language skills. |
Signs of aphasia
Signs of aphasia vary with each person. A person with aphasia may show some or all of the signs listed below.
A person with aphasia may not be able to:
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Understand words when others speak
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Speak in complete sentences
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Read or write
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Understand that numbers have meaning
A person with aphasia may:
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Speak using only nouns and verbs
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Mix up the order of words in a sentence
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Use the wrong words or made-up words
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Have trouble working with numbers, such as balancing a checkbook
Practical tips for aphasia
A person with aphasia may still think and understand, even if responding is hard. Try to:
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Ask questions that can be answered with a yes or a no.
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Speak slowly and clearly in simple sentences. Use simple words, but don’t “talk down” to the person.
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Give the person time to understand and to respond. Try not to speak for the person unless you must.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sumana Jothi MD
Date Last Reviewed:
7/1/2022
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