Aphasia and other language disorders

Abstract

Aphasia refers to a disorder of language processing caused by a dysfunction in specific brain regions. It is common after stroke and associated with relevant disability and higher mortality. Evaluation of language function (spontaneous speech, auditory comprehension, naming, repetition, reading and writing), allows classification of aphasia. Most patients present some degree of recovery. Speech and language therapy is an effective treatment for aphasia following stroke. Other approaches, e.g. pharmacotheraphy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, are being investigated. Other language disorders are mentioned.