Aphasia patients can communicate using computers or other electronic devices. — The Washington Post
Yes, definitely.
There is also global aphasia, caused by injury or damage to large portions of the language areas of your brain.
As its very name suggests, people who have this possess severe communication difficulties.
They may have very limited ability to speak or comprehend language.
For example, they may be even be unable to just say a few words.
If there are words, they may repeat the same words or sentences over and over, such as “Eat, eat, eat.”
These patients also have limited understanding words and phrases, even the simplest of them.
Because aphasia is so dependent on which area of the brain which commands language is damaged, there can be many types or combinations of the disorder.
As a manifestation, the type of aphasia can also be mixed.
Conduction aphasia is yet another type, in which patients may have difficulty repeating words and sentences, even though they understand them and can speak with ease.
Anomic aphasia is a type of aphasia in which patients have difficulty naming objects, even though they know what the object is and what it is used for.
For example, this could be ordinary objects that you use every day, like a cup or pen.Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) can also cause temporary or transient aphasia, because in a TIA, blood flow to your brain is interrupted in a temporary manner and quickly restored.
Therefore, like the temporary paralysis or weakness of your limbs, your language abilities may return in a few hours or days.
Neurobiology has taught us that our brain is fluid and constantly rewiring itself throughout our lives. — TNSIt depends on the type of brain injury that causes it, and your body’s ability to heal it.
After your brain is injured, many changes can occur.
Scientists used to believe that the human brain was “non-renewable”, with a limited number of brain cells that slowly die off as we age.
But now, neurobiology has taught us that our brain is fluid and constantly rewiring itself throughout our entire lives.
So, different neural pathways are being formed, while others may become dormant.
This healing is best facilitated by repetition or constant practice. (Remember the saying, which applies even to healthy people: “If you don’t use it, you will lose it.”)
Whether it is trying to walk again after a stroke, or speaking again after you have had aphasia, there are methods to get you back on track as much as possible.
Immediately after a brain injury, huge changes can occur in your brain.
The beauty of the brain (and human body) is that it will repair itself as much as it is able to.
Following aphasia, you may be able to see dramatic improvements in your language and communication abilities in the first few months, even without treatment.
For example, you might not be able to speak for the first few days following a stroke, only to find that you may be able to say a few words a few days into your hospital stay.
After you recover and go home, you may be able to say a few sentences.
But in many cases, some degree of aphasia remains after this initial recovery period.
We can use speech-language therapy to help aphasia patients recover the ability to communicate.
At the same time, studies have shown that your brain will still continue to recover your language and communication, and improve over the months and years.
This is because new neurons are forming near the damaged area, and new synapses and pathways are being made.
If you were healthier before the diagnosis and younger, the better and faster the chances of this happening.
Aphasia therapy has the goal to improve the patient’s ability to communicate by helping him or her use the remaining language abilities.
It may also involve teaching the patient other ways of communicating, such as gestures, drawings, pictures, or use of electronic devices like an iPad.
Aphasia therapy is both done individually for each patient, where that patient’s specific disorder is being addressed, and also in a group.
Group therapy allows the patients to communicate with one another and practice to see if they understand one another.
Later, when aphasia patients have recovered a degree of speech and confidence, they can participate in book clubs and art and drama clubs, even online.
Stephen Hawking used an Intel technology that is now outdated, as many upgrades have been made since.
Recent technologies abound for patients with aphasia, especially with the use of a home computer and tablets.
There are speech-generating applications on mobile devices.
Family members are encouraged to participate in therapy sessions, and to simplify their language by using short, uncomplicated sentences.
They are also encouraged to be patient with repetition, or even to write down the words for clarification.
Research is being done in non-invasive (non-surgical) brain stimulation techniques via magnetic waves and currents through the skull.
Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, computers and entertainment. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
