Aphasia is a communication disorder caused by damage to the brain. This disorder can affect the ability to speak and write, as well as the ability to understand words when reading or hearing.
Generally, people with aphasia will be mistaken in choosing and assembling words into a correct sentence. However, this condition does not affect the level of intelligence and memory of sufferers.
Aphasia can occur suddenly after sufferers experience strokes or head injuries. However, aphasia can also occur gradually if caused by brain tumors or dementia.
Causes of Aphasia
Aphasia is not a disease, but symptoms that mark damage in the brain that regulate language and communication.
One of the causes of brain damage that most often trigger aphasia is a stroke. When experiencing a stroke, the absence of blood flow to the brain causes brain cell death or damage in the brain that functions to process languages. About 25-40% of stroke sufferers will suffer from aphasia.
Brain damage due to head injury, brain tumors, or encephalitis can also cause aphasia. In these cases, usually, aphasia will be accompanied by other disorders, such as memory disorders and awareness disorders.
In addition, aphasia can occur due to diseases that cause a decrease in the function of brain cells, such as dementia and Parkinson's disease. In this condition, Aphasia will develop gradually along with the development of the disease.
Symptoms Aphasia
Symptoms of aphasia can vary depending on the damaged part of the brain, and the level of damage that occurs. Based on the symptoms that arise, Aphasia can be divided into several types, namely:
Aphasia Wernicke (receptive)
Aphasia Wernicke is known as receptive aphasia. Aphasia Wernicke is usually caused by brain damage in the middle left. In this aphasia, sufferers will find it difficult to understand or understand the words that are heard or read. As a result, sufferers will issue a sentence or words that are also difficult to understand by their interlocutor.
Aphasia Broca (expressive)
In Aphasia Broca or expressive aphasia, patients know what to convey to the other person, but have difficulties in saying it. Aphasia Broca is usually caused by brain damage at the left front.
Global Aphasia
Global aphasia is the most severe Aphasia and usually occurs when someone has just experienced a stroke. Global Aphasia is usually caused by extensive damage to the brain. Global aphasia sufferers will have difficulty even unable to read, write, and understand the words of others.
Primer Progressive Aphasia
This condition causes a decrease in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding conversations, which occurred slowly. Primary progressive aphasia is rare and difficult to deal with.
Anomic Aphasia
Anomic or anomia aphasia sufferers often have difficulty choosing and finding the right words when writing and talking.
Communication assessment
This examination aims to measure the patient's ability to write, read, speak, understand the conversation, and verbal expression.
Brain scanning
Scanning aims to detect damage to the brain and see how severe the damage is. Scanning can be done with MRI, CT scan, or using positron emission tomography (PET Scan).
Aphasia treatment
Aphasia treatment depends on the type of aphasia, the damaged part of the brain, causes of brain damage, and the age and health condition of the patient. If the brain damage is relatively light, Aphasia can improve by itself. If the condition is quite heavy, treatment can be done with the following methods:
Speech therapy
Speech and language therapy sessions aim to improve the ability to communicate and speak. This therapy session must be done regularly. Speech therapy can be done using technology such as computer programs or applications. This therapy is recommended for aphasia sufferers due to strokes.
Drugs
Some types of drugs can also be given by doctors to help deal with aphasia. Drugs given usually work by launching blood flow to the brain, preventing continued brain damage, and increasing the number of chemical compounds reduced in the brain.
Operation
Operational procedures can also be done if aphasia is caused by brain tumors. The operation aims to lift the tumor in the brain. This procedure is expected to help overcome aphasia.
Aphasia Complications
Because it affects communication skills, Aphasia can have an impact on the daily life of sufferers, including in terms of work and personal relationships. If it is not handled properly, Aphasia can also cause the emergence of anxiety disorder, depression, and isolated feelings.
Prevention of Aphasia
There is no definite way to prevent the occurrence of aphasia. The best step that can be done is to prevent conditions that can cause aphasia. Prevention can be done by undergoing a healthy lifestyle, such as:
- Quit smoking
- Avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages excessively
- Maintain weight to remain ideal and avoid obesity
- Do exercise regularly at least 30 minutes every day
- Keep the mind stay active, for example by reading or writing
Post a Comment for "Aphasia"