Introduction to Aphasia

Question 1

What is aphasia?

Answer 1

Aphasia is the loss or impairment of language function caused by brain damage.

Question 2

What type of disturbance does aphasia cause?

Answer 2

Multi-modality language disturbance.

Question 3

Name the language modalities disturbed.

Answer 3

Auditory Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Oral Expression
Written Expression

Question 4

What does the severity range from?

Answer 4

Mild ti very severe.

Question 5

What is the dominant language hemisphere for most people?

Answer 5

The left hemisphere.
Some left handed are RH though :).

Aphasia is mainly due ti left hemisphere damage.

Question 6

What’s the difference between aphasia and language disorder in dementia?

Answer 6

Aphasia is a primary and specific language disorder.
It results from a focal brain lesion- not widespread neurological deterioration.
Sudden onset not gradually developing.
Aphasia isn’t progressive whereas dementia is.

Question 7

What is the main cause of apahasia?

Answer 7

Stroke.

Question 8

What are other causes of aphasia?

Answer 8

TBI
Infection
Brain Tumour

Question 9

What is a stroke?

Answer 9

When the blood supply part of the brain is cut off.

Question 10

name the 2 types of stroke.

Answer 10

Ischaemic- blood clot 85%

Haemorrhagic- bleed 15%

Question 11

What age do you have increased risk of stroke?

Answer 11

55 years old +

Question 12

What percentage of strokes result in aphasia?

Answer 12

33%.

Question 13

If somebody has aphasia as result of stroke, what must we consider?

Answer 13

Hemiplegia (half paralysed)
Hemiparesis (half weakened)
Emotional Lability (pseudobulbar affect)
Hemianopia (decreased vision/blindness in half of visual field)
Disorientation
Fatigue
Mental Health/well-being e.g. depression.

Question 14

define pseudobulbar affect

Answer 14

the pathological expression of laughter, expression and smiling.