Aphasia, communication disorder

Aphasia is a communication disorder caused by damage to the brain. This disorder can affect the ability to speak and write, and the ability to understand words when reading or listening.

Generally aphasia sufferers will be wrong in choosing and stringing words into a correct sentence. However, this condition does not affect the level of intelligence and memory of sufferers.

Aphasia can occur suddenly after a patient experiences a stroke or head injury. However, aphasia can also occur gradually if caused by a brain tumor or dementia.

Causes of Aphasia

Aphasia is not a disease, but a symptom that marks damage in the part of the brain that regulates language and communication.

One of the most common causes of brain damage that triggers aphasia is stroke. When having a stroke, the absence of blood flow to the brain causes brain cell death or damage to the part of the brain that functions to process language. About 25-40% of stroke sufferers will suffer from aphasia.

Brain damage due to head injuries, brain tumors, or encephalitis can also cause aphasia. In these cases, usually aphasia will be accompanied by other disorders, such as memory problems and disturbance of consciousness.

In addition, aphasia can occur due to diseases that cause a decrease in the function of brain cells, such as dementia and Parkinson's disease. In this condition, aphasia will develop gradually along with the development of the disease.

Symptoms of Aphasia

Symptoms of aphasia can vary depending on the part of the brain that is damaged, as well as the level of damage that occurs. Based on the symptoms that appear, aphasia can be divided into several types, namely:

Wernicke's aphasia (receptive)

Wernicke's aphasia is known as receptive or motor aphasia. Wernicke's aphasia is usually caused by brain damage in the middle left.

In this aphasia, sufferers will have difficulty understanding or comprehending the words that are heard or read. As a result, sufferers will issue sentences or words that are also difficult to understand by the speaker.

Aphasia Broca (expressive)

In Broca's aphasia or expressive or sensory aphasia, sufferers know what to convey to the interlocutor, but have difficulty expressing it. Broca's aphasia is usually caused by brain damage in the left front.

Global aphasia

Global aphasia is the most severe aphasia and usually occurs when someone has just had a stroke. Global aphasia is usually caused by extensive damage to the brain. People with global aphasia will have difficulty not even being able to read, write, and understand the words of others.

Primary progressive aphasia

This condition causes a decrease in the ability to read, write, speak, and understand conversations, which occur slowly. Primary progressive aphasia is rare and difficult to treat.

Anomic aphasia

People with anomic aphasia or anomia often have difficulty in choosing and finding the right words when writing and speaking.

When to see a doctor

Because aphasia is a symptom of a more serious condition, immediately see a doctor if you experience the above symptoms. A doctor's examination is needed to prevent the condition from getting worse and prevent complications.

Diagnosis of Aphasia

To diagnose aphasia, the doctor will ask the patient's symptoms and the patient's and family's medical history, both directly to the patient and the family accompanying the patient.

After that, a thorough physical examination will be done including the nervous system.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will also carry out a number of investigations below:

Communication assessment

This examination aims to measure the patient's ability to write, read, speak, understand conversation, and verbal expression.

Brain scan

The scan aims to detect any damage to the brain and see how severe the damage is. Scans can be done with MRI, CT scan, or using positron emission tomography (PET scan).

Aphasia treatment

Aphasia treatment depends on the type of aphasia, the part of the brain that is damaged, the cause of brain damage, as well as the patient's age and health condition. If the brain damage is mild, aphasia can improve on its own. If the condition is severe enough, treatment can be done with the following methods:

Speech therapy

Speech and language therapy sessions aim to improve communication and speaking skills. This therapy session must be done routinely. Speech therapy can be done using technology such as computer programs or applications. This therapy is recommended for sufferers of aphasia due to stroke.

Drugs

Some types of medication can also be given by doctors to help deal with aphasia. The drugs that are given usually work by expediting blood flow to the brain, preventing further damage to the brain, and increasing the amount of chemical compounds that are reduced in the brain.

Operation

The surgical procedure can also be done if aphasia is caused by a brain tumor. The operation aims to remove the tumor in the brain. This procedure is expected to help overcome aphasia.

Complications of Aphasia

Because it affects the ability to communicate, aphasia can affect the daily lives of sufferers, including in terms of work and personal relationships. If not handled properly, aphasia can also cause anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.

Prevention of Aphasia

There is no sure way to prevent aphasia. The best step that can be done is to prevent conditions that can cause aphasia. Prevention can be done by living a healthy lifestyle, such as:

• Quit smoking
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks
• Maintain your ideal body weight and avoid obesity
• Do regular exercise for at least 30 minutes every day
• Keep the mind active, for example by reading or writing

If you encounter symptoms of aphasia in yourself or those around you, immediately take it to the doctor for further action to be treated immediately. better to prevent than cure

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