Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to process and understand spoken and written language. It typically occurs after brain damage, often as a result of a stroke, head injury, or neurological conditions, which affect the brain’s language centres. While intelligence is usually unaffected, aphasia can severely impact daily communication.
Types of Aphasia:
There are several types of aphasia, each affecting different aspects of language processing. The most common types include:
- Broca’s Aphasia (Non-fluent Aphasia):
- Individuals have difficulty forming complete sentences and speak in short, broken phrases, although their comprehension is generally intact.
- Example: “Want… water… kitchen.”
- Wernicke’s Aphasia (Fluent Aphasia):
- Speech may be fluent but lacks meaning or coherence, with difficulty understanding others.
- Example: “The water, it blue, flying.”
- Global Aphasia:
- A severe form where both expressive and receptive language abilities are significantly impaired.
- Anomic Aphasia:
- Difficulty naming objects or finding words, while comprehension and speech fluency remain mostly intact.
Causes of Aphasia:
- Stroke: The most common cause, mainly when it affects the language-dominant side of the brain (left hemisphere).
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Damage to the brain through accidents or falls can also result in aphasia.
- Brain Tumors: Tumors affecting the language areas of the brain.
- Degenerative Neurological Disorders: Conditions like Alzheimer’s can also lead to progressive aphasia.
Symptoms of Aphasia:
- Difficulty speaking or forming sentences.
- Trouble understanding spoken language.
- Difficulty reading or writing.
- Using incorrect words or mixing up sounds in words.
- Speaking in incomplete sentences or jumbled words.
Diagnosis:
Aphasia is diagnosed through language and cognitive tests performed by speech-language pathologists. Neurological tests and brain imaging (MRI or CT scans) are also used to identify the affected brain areas.
Treatment and Management:
- Speech and Language Therapy (SLT):
- Regular therapy helps improve communication skills and regain language abilities.
- Techniques include language exercises, repetition, and gestures or picture boards.
- Supportive Communication:
- Family members and caregivers are encouraged to use more straightforward sentences, provide plenty of time for responses, and use visual aids to assist communication.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC):
- For severe cases, individuals may use devices or apps that help them communicate more effectively.
- Recovery:
- Early and intensive treatment is crucial. While some people may regain significant language skills, others may require long-term support.
Aphasia in Children:
While aphasia is rare in children, it can occur due to congenital conditions, traumatic injury, or strokes. Early intervention is critical for children, as their brains are still developing and may have greater potential for recovery.
জটিল ভাষা বৈকল্য:
এফেসিয়া বা জটিল ভাষা বৈকল্য হল একটি মানসিক সমস্যা যা সাধারণত ব্রেনের ভাষা প্রক্রিয়াকরণ অংশে আঘাতজনিত কারণে সৃষ্টি হয়। এই সমস্যা থাকার ফলে মানুষ কথা বলা, শোনা, লেখা এবং পড়ার ক্ষমতায় সীমাবদ্ধতা অনুভব করে।
এফেসিয়ার ধরন:
- ব্রোকা’স এফেসিয়া: কথার গঠন কম থাকে, বাক্য পূর্ণ করতে পারে না।
- ওয়ার্নিক’স এফেসিয়া: অর্থহীন কথাবার্তা, বাক্যের অসঙ্গতি।
- গ্লোবাল এফেসিয়া: ভাষাগত সব ধরনের ক্ষমতা লোপ পায়।
- এনোমিক এফেসিয়া: নির্দিষ্ট শব্দ খুঁজে পেতে কষ্ট হয়।
লক্ষণ:
- বাক্যে শব্দের অসঙ্গতি।
- বলা বা লেখায় সমস্যা।
- কথা বা শব্দের অর্থ বুঝতে না পারা।
চিকিৎসা:
- স্পিচ থেরাপি।
- ভাষাগত পুনর্বাসন।
- সহায়ক প্রযুক্তির ব্যবহার।
Aphasia requires dedicated and consistent treatment to improve, and family support is crucial in enhancing communication skills.