Aphasia refers to alterations in language that can involve both its expression and understanding, both orally and in writing, and are linked to dysfunction of brain regions dedicated to linguistic abilities, indicates the College of Teachers in Neurology.
1. What is Wernicke’s aphasia, or “sensory aphasia”?
Wernicke’s aphasia (or also called “receptive aphasia”, “sensory aphasia”, or “fluent aphasia”) is a type of aphasia which is characterized by a loss of recognition of words, auditory, visual or tactile symbols, details MSD Manuals.
It is caused by a disorder in the posterosuperior temporal gyrus of the dominant hemisphere for language (called, therefore, “Wernicke’s area”). Often alexia (loss of the ability to read words) is also present.
People with Wernicke’s aphasia may speak fluently, have normal intonation, while having incoherent and meaningless speech. They can produce long, complex sentences, but the words used will be incorrect or misassociated, giving the impression that they are using “neologisms” or invented words.
Patients may also have difficulty understanding spoken and written language, as well as grasping the meaning of words and sentences, says the National Federation of Speech Therapists.
An important feature of Wernicke’s aphasia is the lack of awareness people who suffer from their speech disorder. Affected individuals may appear indifferent or unaware of their language errors and may even become irritated if their language difficulties are pointed out to them.
2. How is Wernicke’s aphasia diagnosed?
In order to make a precise diagnosis of the type of disorder or aphasia presented, certain examinations are necessary. Among them, numerous evaluations:
- the fluency of speech, the number of words spoken, the presence of errors, hesitations
- the ability to name objects
- ability to repeat complex sentences
- reading and writing
- understanding words and what they refer to
Brain imaging (CT or MRI) is also necessary to characterize the lesion (whether it results from a heart attack, hemorrhage, or even a tumor). Other tests may be done to determine the cause of the injury.
Note that, sometimes, Wernicke’s aphasia can be confused with confusional syndrome, affecting attention, but being, unlike sensory aphasia, linked to an acute illness or to drug intoxication. Wernicke’s aphasia remains a pure language disturbance without other signs of delirium or hallucinations. A reduction in the right portion of the visual field is frequently associated with Wernicke’s aphasia because the visual pathways are close to the affected region.
3. Wernicke’s aphasia, what are the causes?
The most common causes of Wernicke’s aphasia are brain damage caused by a stroke, indicates the website of the National Federation of Speech Therapists. It can also be caused by brain tumors, head injuries or other neurological problems.
A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a Speech Therapistis necessary to properly diagnose and treat Wernicke’s aphasia.
4. What treatment for sensory aphasia?
Once the cause of the aphasia has been established, the appropriate treatment can be put in place.
In general, as detailed My Disability Journey, that implies rehabilitation sessions led by a speech therapistaimed at mitigating the impacts of this disorder and discovering communication alternatives, such as the use of gestures, drawings or pictograms.
This approach can be supplemented by sessions in collaboration with a psychomotor therapist and a psychologist, who support the person in perceiving themselves and adjusting their environment.
More innovative approaches are available, such as behavioral methods and neurophysiological approaches with neurostimulation, with the aim of improving language production.
As MSD Manuals points out, the treatment of certain lesions can be highly effective, such as the use of corticosteroids in the event of an expansive lesion triggering cerebral edema.
People with Wernicke’s aphasia who are unable to restore essential language functions, and their caregivers, may sometimes use alternative communication devices to convey messages. For example, a communication card or book can be used, containing images or symbols representing the patient’s daily needs.
Sources:
- National Federation of Speech Therapists,
- MSD Manuals,
- College of Teachers in Neurology.
Read also :
⋙ After a stroke, what are the consequences?
⋙ Everything you need to know about ataxia
⋙ Physiotherapy after a stroke