LANGUAGE

Specialist Speech Pathology Services specialises in treating people with an acquired language impairment, called aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage in a specific area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension and often leaves a person unable to communicate effectively with others. Aphasia commonly results from a stroke, and there are many types of aphasia that affect different aspects of the language system. Aphasia is often categorised by a person’s ability to understand language and their ability to express themselves; people who have difficulty understanding language often have damage to Wernike’s area within the brain (receptive aphasia), whilst people who have difficulty expressing themselves often have damage to Broca’s area (expressive aphasia). There are various subtypes of aphasia that generally fall under these more general classifications. Aphasia is caused by damage to the language-dominant side of the brain, usually the left side, and may be brought on by various conditions including a stroke, head injury, brain tumour or infection. Aphasia can also be progressive in nature, and might be isolated (primary progressive aphasia) or occur alongside other neurodegenerative conditions.

It is currently unknown if aphasia causes the complete loss of language structure, or if it causes difficulties in how language is accessed and used, however, targeted therapy can help to restore and maintain function.

Please email admin@specialistspeechpathologyservices.com.au for any further information, or if you would like support with assessment and/or management aphasia.