DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My mother recently had a stroke and is now struggling with speech. She’s in therapy, but can you explain more about this condition?
ANSWER: Aphasia is a language disorder that makes it hard for someone to speak, understand, read, or write. Imagine the brain’s “word cabinet” tipping over—words get jumbled, making communication difficult.
What Causes Aphasia?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or bursts, starving brain cells of oxygen. Since the brain’s language centers are usually in the left hemisphere, strokes there often cause aphasia.
Other causes include:
- Brain tumors
- Infections
- Degenerative diseases (like dementia)
Temporary aphasia can happen during migraines, seizures, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or “mini-strokes”). A TIA raises the risk of a major stroke later.
Symptoms of Aphasia
Someone with aphasia may:
- Struggle to follow conversations or instructions
- Speak in short, broken sentences
- Use wrong or made-up words
- Have trouble reading or writing
Warning: Aphasia can be the first sign of a stroke. Seek emergency care if symptoms appear suddenly.
Types of Aphasia
Broca’s (Non-Fluent) Aphasia
- Speech is slow, effortful, and incomplete.
- Comprehension remains mostly intact.
Wernicke’s (Fluent) Aphasia
- Speech flows but is nonsensical or full of errors.
- Understanding spoken/written words is hard.
Global Aphasia
- Severe impairment in speaking and understanding.
- Often results from major strokes.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Doctors use MRI/CT scans and language tests to assess:
Ability to follow directions, name objects, or repeat phrases.
Speech therapy is key. Therapists help patients:
Relearn words (e.g., saying their name or ordering food).
Maintain skills if the condition is degenerative.
How to Help a Loved One
- Speak simply, but don’t shout.
- Use gestures and visuals.
- Be patient—give them time to respond.
- Avoid finishing their sentences.
- Reduce distractions (e.g., turn off TV).
- Remember: Their intelligence is unaffected.
Support groups can also help families cope.
— Delaney Collins and Kinsey Weyer, Speech-Language Pathologists, Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin
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