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Aphasia Types and Treatment

Aphasia is a communication disorder that’s caused by injury to the brain, usually following a stroke. Individuals with aphasia may find it more difficult to speak, read, write, or understand, but it doesn’t affect their intelligence.

There are different types of aphasia; some of the more common include:

• Broca’s Aphasia – A person has limited vocabulary and trouble finding words they want to use. It may be difficult to put words or sentences together. Tend to understand speech.
• Wernicke’s Aphasia – A person can speak, but is unable to form coherent words or sentences. Reading and writing are affected.
• Anomic Aphasia – An individual has difficulty in finding the right word in speech and writing. Typically understand speech and can read.
• Global Aphasia – The most severe form, typically a person can’t speak, understand, read, or write. May happen short-term following a stroke or brain injury, then the individual may experience another type of aphasia as the situation improves.
• Primary Progressive Aphasia – A form of dementia where a person gradually loses the ability to speak, write, read, and understand.

Speech therapists can help with the different types of aphasia by assessing and applying appropriate techniques and technologies.

At ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Flower Mound, speech therapists work with patients, their family members, and other members of our interdisciplinary team to help improve:

• Spoken language expression
• Spoken language comprehension
• Written expression
• Reading comprehension

The goal is to help patients regain confidence and quality of life as they return to their highest levels of independence.