Understand the complexities of aphasia and its impact on stroke survivors from our specialized stroke clinic. Explore the different types of aphasia, the challenges it presents, and empowering strategies for recovery.

Aphasia and Stroke: A Proper Stroke Management Plan

The impacts of stroke can be far-reaching. Aphasia, a disorder that affects an individual’s ability to communicate, is one of the long-term effects of a stroke. Up to 38 percent of stroke survivors can have aphasia. Understanding the association between these two conditions can go a long way in helping to ease the effects of post-stroke aphasia.

Stroke is the most common cause of aphasia. Oftentimes, aphasia is caused by strokes that occur in the left side of the brain, which is primarily responsible for language and communication. In this article, we look at the different types of aphasia, the impact of the disorder on stroke survivors and how to empower people with post-stroke aphasia.

Understanding Aphasia

Aphasia is a complex language and communication disorder that impairs the expression and comprehension of language. It can also affect your ability to read, write, use numbers and use non-verbal gestures.

Aphasia typically happens when the language centers in the brain are damaged, making it difficult to communicate effectively with others. Generally, the severity of the disorder will depend on the cause and extent of brain damage.  

The various problems associated with aphasia can have significant implications on your functioning and quality of life. Depending on the type of aphasia, someone living with the disorder may:

• Have difficulties understanding conversations
• Speak unrecognizable words or in short or incomplete sentences
• Have a hard time writing coherent sentences
• Use nonsense words, wrong words or words in the wrong order
• Misunderstand figurative speech

Types of Aphasia

Aphasic disorders fall into two broad categories: fluent and non-fluent. Within these two groups, there are several types of aphasia, which are determined based on fluency, understanding and repetition. They include:

Wernicke’s Aphasia: Also called receptive aphasia, this is the most common type of fluent aphasia. Someone with Wernicke’s aphasia typically has fluent speech but what they say may not make sense. They may also have problems with their ability to understand speech, read and write.

Broca’s Aphasia: This type of aphasia is sometimes called expressive aphasia or non-fluent aphasia. While people with Broca’s aphasia have cognition and comprehension largely intact, they have difficulty speaking fluently. This form of the condition is characterized by trouble constructing sentences, omitting small words and paralysis on the right side of the body.

Global Aphasia: This aphasic disorder results from a significant brain injury or major stroke that causes extensive damage to parts of the brain responsible for processing language. It usually involves severe problems with cognition, language and comprehension.

The Impact of Aphasia on Stroke Survivors

Aphasia affects different people in different ways. However, there are certain common ways that aphasia impacts stroke survivors. As a language disorder, the condition often results in communication challenges. This can make it difficult for stroke survivors with aphasia to navigate daily life, something that can in turn lead to frustration and anger.

Loss or change in speech can profoundly alter an individual’s social life. Stroke survivors with aphasia may suffer from reduced self-esteem and experience high levels of anxiety and stress. This could cause them to feel alone, isolated and depressed.

Empowering Stroke Patients with Aphasia

With the right support, stroke survivors with aphasia may be able to recover language skills. This can in turn help them to overcome the challenges and emotional impact that stroke and aphasia bring. Below are a few ways to empower patients with post-stroke aphasia.

• Building confidence in communication skills through speech and language therapy.
• Encouraging social participation and community involvement. These interactions will help patients improve their communication skills and prevent social isolation.
• Fostering a supportive environment from friends and family for stroke survivors. This will involve offering acceptance, empathy, respect and being patient.
• Individualized treatment plans to meet the unique needs and preferences of the patient.

Post-stroke aphasia can create numerous quality-of-life problems. Here at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, Dr. Manish Taneja can treat your stroke and stroke-related issues with proper diagnosis, quality care and personalized treatment. For more information, fill in and submit your contact information and inquiry details on our contact us page.

Stroke Resources

We’ve Got You Covered for Specialized Stroke Screening, Prevention, and Management

Imagine heart attacks where the blood flow to your heart is blocked. Similarly, a stroke occurs when the blood flow to your brain is interrupted becoming a “brain attack”. When blood supply does not reach a certain part, brain cells begin to die. Different types of stroke include ischemic strokes (blockage of blood vessel due to blood clot) or a mini stroke, a TIA (transient ischemic attack), with no permanent damage yet serious. Stroke also occurs when a blood vessel in the brain pops causing bleeding in the brain.

Certain areas of the brain can be affected by stroke and some symptoms of a stroke including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood sugar levels increase the risk of stroke whereas an active lifestyle or controlling high cholesterol reduces the risk. How well do you know stroke? Find tips to prevent and manage stroke, the differences in stroke screening tests, and the newer technology and treatments available. 

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The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various neurological conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our neurointervention specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.