APHASIA (SPEECH DISORDERS)

Communication skills vary among individuals. Language related disorders could be one of the factors influencing a  person’s ability to convey.  Aphasia is one such disorder affecting the area of the brain which control speech, language  and comprehension.

Aphasia has three variants, viz,  Broca’s Aphasia, Wernicke’s Aphasia  and Global Aphasia.  A brief description given below will help understand the afflictions:

Broca’s Aphasia:

This is a non-fluent aphasia. Though the patient knows what he/she wants to say but is unable to find the right words  to put  across the message. Instead of proper sentences, the    speech    comes in short phrases with words missed out in between. However, the patients are able to understand what the others are saying. Being aware of their problem can be frustrating.

Wernicke’s Aphasia:

This is a fluent aphasia. The patient neither has control over his/her speech nor complete understanding of what is being said. The communication is in lengthy meaningless sentences. Language comprehension is an added problem.  The patient may not be aware of their mistakes.

Global Aphasia:

This is a non-fluent aphasia. The patient has limited ability to speak or understand language. The person may not be able to speak at all  or grasp commands. 

The inabilities depend upon the areas of the brain which have been damaged possibly due to transient ischemic  attacks, stroke, brain tumour, brain damage or infection. As the name suggests, Broca’s Aphasia results from damage to brain cells in Broca’s area, the primary speech centre in the brain. Similarly, Wernicke’s Aphasia is caused by damage to cells in Wernicke’s area, the language and comprehension centre. Global Aphasia, on the other hand, is caused by extensive damage to speech and language areas in the brain.

In cases where the damage is not extensive, the patient recovers spontaneously. However, in severe cases, language therapists, family & friends can help in recovery.