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Language Disorders

Language is not the same as speech, despite some people using these terms interchangeably. When adults suffer a neurologic event, such as stroke, brain injury, or a neurologic disease, the ability to generate words is affected. This is not the mouth being unable  to say the words from a muscular standpoint; rather, a neurologic disruption in the brain that affects the way the brain makes or understands words from thoughts/ideas/emotions, etc. 

Your brain serves two primary language functions. The first language function is to understand what is being said to you (or to read something) This is called comprehension or receptive language. The second language function is to generate words (or to write). This is called expressive language. There are two different areas in the brain that control these functions. If a stroke, brain injury, or disease affects these parts of the brain, either or both of these functions become disrupted. This is called aphasia. 

There are several kinds of aphasia, and they often overlap. Some people refer to aphasia as “expressive aphasia” (difficulty saying what you want) or “receptive aphasia” (difficulty understanding what is being said.) You may also hear of terms like Broca’s aphasia, Wernicke’s aphasia, mixed aphasia, or global aphasia. These are all different terms that may relate to the location in the brain that has been affected, the presentation of the patient’s language skills, or even the severity of the language skills. 

Another common term you may encounter when referring to someone’s language impairment is the word anomia. Anomia is an inability to generate the name of something. Similarly, you may hear the word paraphasia. This is when the name of something is replaced with a similar sounding word (so, saying “dar” instead of “car”) or a word that is somehow related to the target word (saying “tire” instead of “car”.) 

The most important thing you can do if you or a loved one is suffering from a language issue or aphasia is to get the help of an experienced Speech Language Pathologist (SLP.) There is a precious time period in which speech therapy will result in excellent outcomes, and it’s important that the SLP provides intensive therapy during these crucial 12-24 months. 

If you’re looking for an experienced SLP in Saratoga Springs NY or the surrounding areas who specializes in language disorders, contact us now.