Word parts
What it means
A language problem from brain damage, most often a stroke, a head injury or a brain tumor. The person may struggle to find words, use the wrong words, or have trouble understanding what others say or what they read. Its complete form, a total loss of language, is aphasia, and the two words are often used for the same thing. It is not a problem with the muscles of speech (that is dysarthria) or with swallowing (dysphagiadis-FAY-jee-uhDifficulty swallowing.dys- difficultphag/o eat, swallow-ia conditionFull entry ).
For the nurse
Speak slowly in short, simple sentences, face the client, ask yes-or-no questions and give time to answer. Picture boards, gestures and writing can help. A speech therapist assesses and treats it.
Remember it
DysphaSia is Speech; dysphaGia is Gulping.
At a glance
| Spanish | disfasia |
|---|
Easy to confuse with
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.