Aphasia is a condition in which the patient loses the ability to communicate. It may also be related to the ability to speak and to understand the spoken or written language. Typically, it appears suddenly after a stroke or head injury, but it may also develop slowly in case of a brain tumour or a neurodegenerative disease.
What kind of diseases can be associated with aphasia?
The following diseases may be associated with aphasia:
- Atherosclerosis
- Botulism
- Stroke
- Alzheimer's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for aphasia?
In case of aphasia, it is necessary to treat the diseases that trigger the condition. Then, the following step is to rely on speech therapy so the patient can recover their language skills or by using alternative communication methods and tools.
There are ongoing research and development of drugs for the treatment of aphasia, though their further validation would be needed before official results come out.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of aphasia?
Aphasia is often a symptom of a serious disease. It is important to immediately contact a doctor in cases of sudden difficulties to talk, remember words, read, write or understand speech.
