Language Problems Following a Stroke

Many people have problems speaking and understanding speech following a stroke. This difficulty with communication is called aphasia. It usually comes on suddenly as a result of a stroke or head injury, but brain tumors and infections of the brain can gradually cause language problems.

According to the National Aphasia Association, the most common cause of aphasia is stroke. Approximately 25 to 40 percent of stroke survivors acquire aphasia. It can occur in people of all ages, races, nationalities and gender, affecting as many as 180,000 stroke victims each year.[1]

Aphasia occurs when the language centers on the left side of the brain are affected by a stroke, head injury or brain tumor. Depending on the exact nature of the injury, the symptoms of aphasia can vary. Though many types of aphasia exist, there are three main categories of aphasia.

Nonfluent aphasia occurs when the injury is near the left front of the brain. With nonfluent aphasia, a person has problems getting words out and generally speaks in very short sentences. The person also may leave words out, so sentences become short and choppy like “Want food” or “Walk store.” With this type of aphasia the person listening usually understands the meaning. A person with nonfluent aphasia may understand what is being said to them, but they know they are having problems speaking and may get frustrated. Fluent aphasia results from damage to the middle part of the language center of the brain. A person with fluent aphasia uses long, complex sentences that don’t make sense. They also may use words that don’t make sense or are incorrectly used. The person generally doesn’t understand what’s being said and may not be aware of their problems speaking. Global aphasia is caused by extensive damage to the brain’s language center. The person with global aphasia has severe problems speaking and understanding language.

Treatment of Aphasia

Recovery from aphasia depends on the severity of the damage to the brain and on how quickly treatment is begun. The recovery process is slow, and few people completely regain their language skills. Early treatment is important.

Treatment for aphasia involves working with a speech-language pathologist who will help the person relearn language skills. The speech-language pathologist begins with simple tasks such as naming objects and gradually building to more complex language skills. In some cases, the person may need to learn ways to make up for the loss of his or her language skills by using gestures or drawings. Communication-based therapies that consist of more natural interactions involving real-life communicative challenges may also be used with support from caregivers.

Family and Friends

It is important to note that aphasia does not affect a person’s intelligence. A person may have trouble retrieving words and names, but the person’s intelligence is basically intact.

Family and friends may feel awkward when they see how hard it is for the stroke survivor to communicate. In some cases, they avoid the person because they do not know how to help. The good news is that there are many ways you can help a person with aphasia:

Use simple sentence and speak more slowly. Don’t finish sentences, correct errors or speak for the person. Only talk about one thing at a time. Reduce distractions by turning off the television, radio or moving to a quiet place. Write down key words or a short sentence to help explain something. Use a book of words, pictures or photos to help with conversations. Use drawings or gestures to help get your meaning across. Include the person in conversations when possible. Make sure you have the person’s attention before talking. Do not speak too loudly – aphasia does not affect a person’s hearing. Educate others about aphasia, so that they know what causes it and how to interact with their friend who is suffering from this condition.

Desert Regional Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Program offers access to speech therapists. If you would like to learn more, talk with your doctor or call the hospital at (760) 323-6382.