Definition:
the loss or defect of language (speaking fluency, reading, writing, understanding of written or spoke words)
What are the 4 types of aphasia?
1. Wernicke's
2. Broca's
3. conduction
4. global
Potential causes:
- stroke
- brain trauma
- brain tumor
- alzheimer's disease
Wernicke's
-receptive, fluent aphasia
-pt has hard time comprehending written or spoken language
-fluid speech, but difficult to understand
Broca's
-expressive, nonfluent aphasia
-speech is slow and requires effort
-few words used
-good comprehension of language
Conduction
-disturbance in repetition
-pathology involves the connections between Wernicke's and Broca's
Global
-often associated with RIGHT hemiparesis
-defect in all areas of language
How to treat
-many recover spontaneously in 4-6 weeks
-speech therapy
Photo source: emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu
Source: Step Up to Medicine by Agabegi and Agabegi