Aphasia
Diagnosing aphasia
Aphasia is usually diagnosed after tests carried out by a specialist called a speech and language therapist (SLT).
Communication assessment
There are several tests used to assess communication skills.
These tests often involve simple exercises, such as asking a person to name as many words as they can think of beginning with the letter F, or asking them to name objects in the room.
The results can then be used to build up a detailed picture of a person's capabilities in areas such as:
- understanding basic speech and grammar
- expressing words, phrases and sentences
- social communication for example, holding a conversation or understanding a joke
- reading and writing letters, words and sentences
Imaging scans
Imaging techniques can be used to assess the extent of any brain damage. The two most widely used types for aphasia are:
- computerised tomography (CT) scan
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
Less commonly, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be used to assess the state and functionality of the brain. PET scans are usually only used to carry out clinical research at specialist centres.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 30 Nov 2016
Introduction
Aphasia is a communication disorder that makes it difficult to read, write or speak.
Symptoms of aphasia
The main sign of aphasia is difficulty with communication, although the condition affects everyone differently.
Causes of aphasia
Aphasia is the result of damage to the parts of the brain that are responsible for speaking, reading, writing and understanding others.
Diagnosing aphasia
Aphasia is usually diagnosed after tests carried out by a specialist called a speech and language therapist (SLT).
Treating aphasia
Sometimes aphasia will improve on its own without treatment, but a type of treatment called speech and language therapy is usually recommended.
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