Aphasia: Clinical Perspectives

Aphasia is a condition in which a person's ability to communicate is affected. It is caused by an impairment of specific brain regions responsible for language. It may affect both written as well as spoken language. Stroke (cerebral vascular accident) and head trauma are the most common causes for this condition. However, aphasia can also be caused due to brain tumors or progressive neurodegenerative damage. It usually indicates towards the presence of some other condition such as stroke. Auditory comprehension, vocal expression, reading and writing, and functional communication are the four modalities of communication. Diagnosis of aphasia requires determining if the brain damage was followed by problems in one or more communication modalities of a person's speech or language. The risk of aphasia can be lowered by taking few precautions such as regular exercise, nutritious diet, no alcohol and tobacco consumption, and controlling blood pressure levels. Various types of speech and language therapies such as visual communication therapy (VIC), functional communication therapy (FCT), and melodic intonation therapy (MIT) are helpful in managing aphasia. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of clinical perspectives with reference to aphasia. It aims to serve as a resource guide for students and medical practitioners alike.