Aphasia
Aphasia is a neurological language disorder that affects ability to talk and understand impacting speaking, listening, reading, or writing modalities. The most common cause of aphasia is blockage of blood flow to the brain due to stroke. Other causes include tumors, head trauma, and some neurological diseases, such as encephalitis. Aphasia is associated with damage to the language dominant hemisphere, which is the left hemisphere in most individuals. It often is accompanied by motor and sensory deficits. As the left hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body, these motor and sensory impairments are most often right-sided in individuals with aphasia.
The overall goal of aphasia therapy is to improve communication skills to the highest degree possible. The goal of treatment changes from the recovery of language skills to establishing compensatory and maintenance strategies for functional language skills. Speech and language therapy will help design intervention programs based on an individual profile to meet the client’s unique needs.
Signs and Symptoms
• Unrecognizable words.
• Single words, phrases, or sentences are difficult to understand.
• Replacement of sounds in words or substitution of one word for another.
• Not understanding what others are saying.
• Difficulty reading or writing.
• Difficulty with word retrieval and getting the message across.
How Can We Help?
Speech and language therapy is the most effective treatment for aphasia. Consistent and targeted practice can help regain lost or acquire new language skills and improve overall communication.
iSpeax is an online speech therapy practice that provides online speech and language services to individuals who need treatment for various language disorders, including aphasia. If your loved one is diagnosed with aphasia, our qualified speech and language therapists can help with assessment, goal setting, and developing an effective treatment plan. Schedule your session today to get an advice of a qualified professional.
