Word parts
What it means
A language disorder, most often after a stroke in the left side of the brain. In expressive (Broca) aphasia, the person knows what they want to say but struggles to get words out. In receptive (Wernicke) aphasia, they speak fluently but have trouble understanding and their words may not make sense. Global aphasia affects both. Intelligence is often unchanged.
For the nurse
Speak slowly in short, simple sentences, ask yes-or-no questions, give time to answer, and use pictures, gestures or a communication board. Do not shout: hearing is not the problem.
Remember it
Aphasia is about phrases (language); aphagia is about eating (phag = eat).
At a glance
| Spanish | afasia |
|---|---|
| Also written | aphasic |
Easy to confuse with
aphagia
Inability to swallow.
Related terms
dysphasia
Difficulty speaking or understanding spoken or written language, caused by damage to the brain.
nonverbal
Without words: communicated through facial expression, body language, touch, tone of voice or silence.
cerebral cortex
The thin, folded outer layer of the cerebrum, where thinking, language, memory, voluntary movement and sensation are handled.
aphagia
Inability to swallow.