Have you suddenly found it difficult to speak or understand? Let's talk about aphasia!

Have you ever seen someone in your family, perhaps your grandmother, grandfather, mother, or father, suddenly unable to speak or slurring their words? Or have you ever seen them having a hard time understanding what you are saying? Have you ever seen them struggling to put what they are thinking into words? The cause of this condition may be a condition called aphasia . Many people are not aware of this. So let's talk about it simply and clearly today.

Simply put, what is aphasia?

Aphasia is a condition that affects communication, or the ability to communicate. It makes it difficult to use words, speak, write, and understand what others are saying. It occurs when damage occurs to the parts of the brain that control language. It often occurs after a stroke . This risk increases, especially as we age.

What are the main symptoms of this condition?

The severity of aphasia can vary from person to person. Some people may be mildly affected, while others may be severely affected.

Difference between mild and severe aphasia

A person with mild aphasia can communicate normally, but they may sometimes have difficulty finding the right words. In severe aphasia , communication is very limited. They may only say one or two words, or they may not engage in conversation at all.

Are there main types of aphasia?

Yes, there are several types of aphasia. Each of them has slightly different symptoms. They can be divided into two main types.

• Fluent Aphasia: These people can speak in coherent, long sentences. But those sentences may not make sense. They may sound like they are stringing together unrelated words.
• Non- fluent Aphasia: This is where speech stops midway. It takes a lot of effort to get the words out. Sentences are short, grammatically incorrect, but most of the time, you can barely understand what is being said.

In addition, there are several other specific types:

1. Expressive aphasia (Broca's aphasia): You know exactly what you want to say, but it's very difficult to say it orally or write it down.

2. Receptive aphasia ( Wernicke's aphasia ): When you hear what other people say, you can't understand what they mean. What they say may also be confusing, because you don't understand what they are saying.

3. Global aphasia: This is the most severe type of aphasia. This condition can be seen immediately after the paralysis occurs. The ability to speak, understand, read, and write is suddenly lost.

4. Primary progressive aphasia: This is a very rare condition. Over time, the ability to speak, read, write, and understand gradually disappears. This is a type of dementia.

Why does someone develop aphasia?

The main and most common cause of aphasia is stroke . Stroke is damage to brain cells caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel supplying the brain. Aphasia occurs when the parts of the brain that control language are damaged in this way.

In addition to paralysis, there may be other causes:

• Severe head injuries
• Brain Tumor
• Infections affecting the brain
• Neurological diseases such as dementia

Sometimes, symptoms of aphasia can also be temporarily seen in conditions such as migraines or TIA (transient ischemic attack) , which is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain.

How does a doctor detect this?

Your doctor will usually diagnose aphasia when you are being treated for a condition like paralysis. He or she may ask you simple questions, ask you to do certain things, or ask you to name things in pictures. This will help determine whether you have aphasia and how severe it is.

In addition, tests such as these are also done to see where and how much brain damage is:

• CT scan (Computed Tomography scan)
• MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan)
• PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography scan)

Your doctor may also refer you to a Speech-Language Pathologist . They are specialists in this area. They will examine your language skills in detail.

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment depends on many factors, including your age, the cause of the brain damage, and the type of aphasia.

The main treatment is speech and language therapy . The sooner you start this, the better the results. The therapist will help you remember words, form sentences, and speak. They will also teach you how to express yourself through pictures and signs when you can't speak.

Additionally, group therapy with family members can be very helpful. It helps you feel like you're not alone and gives you the opportunity to talk to others and practice.

Keep these things in mind when talking to someone with aphasia:

If someone in your family has this condition, there are many ways you can help them.

• Pay attention before speaking: Call by name and wait for him to look at you.
• Talk in a quiet place: turn off the radio and TV, and create a calm environment.
• Use simple words and short sentences: But don't speak as if you're talking to a child. Speak respectfully.
• Speak slowly: Give him time to understand.
• Give him time: Give him time to find his words and answer. Don't rush him.
• Don't try to finish his sentences: let him try himself.
• Ask questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no."
• Use signs, pictures, and writing: If words are not enough, show with your hands, write, or draw a picture.
• Don't shout loudly: they can hear you. The problem is understanding.

When do you need to seek emergency medical advice?

Aphasia is often a symptom of a serious condition, such as paralysis. Therefore, if this happens to you or someone you know, take them to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately .

• Sudden inability to speak
• Inability to understand what is being said
• Inability to remember words
• Inability to read or write

Aphasia, stroke, paralysis, speech difficulties, speech therapy, brain disorders, communication disorder, word confusion