Communication is one of the main ways we connect with others, and it’s difficult when something gets in the way of these skills. One common cause of this is aphasia, a disorder typically caused by brain damage. It’s easy to feel isolated if you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of aphasia. At Doctors of Audiology, we can provide treatment that will allow you to continue connecting with the important people in your life.
What Is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a disorder that leads to difficulties reading, writing and speaking. Expressive aphasia causes people to struggle to say words, comprehensive aphasia causes people to speak in sentences that don’t make sense and global aphasia causes difficulties forming words and sentences, along with poor comprehension.
How Many People Have Aphasia?
According to the National Aphasia Association, 2 million people in the United States have aphasia, and almost 180,000 people are diagnosed each year.
Is Aphasia Affecting Someone In My Life?
Symptoms of aphasia include:
- Using sentences that don’t make sense
- Substituting one word for another
- Speaking or writing in incomplete sentences
- Using unrecognizable words
- Struggling to understand conversations
How Is Aphasia Diagnosed?
There are several tests our audiologist might perform to diagnose aphasia. They include:
- A CT scan, or computed tomography, uses x-rays and a computer to show bones, muscles and organs.
- An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses magnets, radio frequencies and a computer to create images of the body’s structures.
- A PET scan, or positron emission tomography, uses radioactive substances to look at body processes.
Can Speech and Language Therapy Help With Aphasia?
Speech and language therapy is the typical treatment for patients with aphasia. The therapy is customized to each person’s needs, but the goal is to help them practice language skills and learn new ways of communication through one-on-one, group or computer-assisted sessions.
Family members are often included in the treatment process so they can learn to provide support outside of sessions. Our provider will work with you to create a treatment plan that supports your loved one’s needs and answer any questions you have. We’re in this process together.
When Can Treatment Begin?
If you or someone in your life are experiencing symptoms of aphasia, we can help you determine the next steps. At Doctors of Audiology, our team will provide you with a treatment plan that will allow you to rebuild your communication skills.
Call Doctors of Audiology for more information or to schedule an appointment.