Aphasia, which is defined as "partial or complete impairment of previously normal functions such as speech, comprehension, reading, writing, naming and repetition", may occur due to a neurological damage to the brain. Aphasia, which significantly affects the quality of life of the person, is seen in two forms as fluent and irritable. While meaningless speech is seen in fluent aphasia; Although the person with apprehensive aphasia understands what is being said, they cannot express themselves fluently. Experts state that afflicted aphasic patients are generally more affected psychologically. Experts point to the importance of the first 6 months in the recovery of aphasia.
Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital Specialist Language and Speech Therapist Selin Tokalak made an assessment about aphasia, which has recently come to the fore as the disease of world-famous actor Bruce Willis.
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Selin Tokalak defined aphasia as “a state of partial or complete disruption of previously normal functions such as speech, comprehension, reading, writing, naming and repetition, due to a neurological damage to the brain”.
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Selin Tokalak says, “This neurological damage to the brain is usually caused by cerebral hemorrhage, occlusion in cerebral vessels, brain tumors, head traumas or infectious diseases affecting the brain.” said.
Aphasia occurs later and is seen in the elderly.
Noting that aphasia is a neurogenic acquired language disorder, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Selin Tokalak said, “So aphasia does not occur with birth, it occurs later and is usually seen in adults, especially in the elderly. People diagnosed with aphasia may be admitted to the hospital with numbness and weakness in various parts of the body such as arms, legs, face, sudden cessation of speech or complex, incomprehensible speech, loss of vision or impaired vision, severe headache, difficulty in walking and standing, loss of balance. It comes with symptoms.” said.
Meaningless speech is seen in fluent aphasia.
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Selin Tokalak, who noted that the language and speech difficulties experienced by aphasic patients vary depending on where the damage occurs in the brain, "When damage occurs in the speech comprehension region of the brain, a condition called fluent aphasia occurs. In this case, people speak fluently but meaninglessly and have trouble understanding what is being said. They find it difficult to give appropriate answers to questions and their speech can be described as "word salad." he said.
The psychological effects of arresting aphasia may be greater.
Specialist Language and Speech Therapist Selin Tokalak, who noted that in another type of aphasia, which is expressed as reclusive aphasia, the person understands what is said but cannot express himself fluently, said, “He knows the appropriate answers for the questions asked, but cannot say it fluently. Because reclusive aphasic patients are aware of the loss of these previously healthy skills, they are generally more affected than fluent aphasic patients.” said.
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Selin Tokalak also said that in many aphasic patients, reading, writing, comprehension, naming and repetition skills are also impaired at certain rates, depending on the region and size of the brain damage.
They speak in a monotone
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Selin Tokalak said, “Patients with aphasia may speak with a monotonous intonation or may have difficulty in providing the motor coordination required for the production of speech sounds. In some patients, swallowing difficulties and voice disorders may accompany language and speech problems. In addition, aphasic patients often experience paralysis or partial paralysis, which causes physical difficulties such as inability to walk, inability to use hands, with communication difficulties. warned.
The first 6 months are important in recovery.
Noting that especially the first six months are very important in the recovery of aphasia, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Selin Tokalak said, “Generally, the greatest progress is experienced in this process. However, in the recovery process, cognitive reserves such as the location and size of the area affected by the damage to the brain, the patient's age, education level, and how many languages he speaks play an important role. said.
Speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy can be applied.
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Selin Tokalak stated that many occupational specialists such as speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists and neurologists take an active role in the treatment process of aphasia. Speech and language therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy are the most important parts of the treatment process. Another current treatment approach is TMU (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy, which aims to activate nerve cells in the brain. said.
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