Transcortical sensory aphasia
What is transcortical sensory aphasia?
Transcortical sensory aphasia (TSA) is a type of aphasia where the person can produce a lot of speech (speak fluently), but the sentences they speak will not make sense because they make word errors and use made-up words. It may look similar to Wernicke’s aphasia, but people with TSA tend to be more able to repeat sentences, and the part of the brain that is injured is different.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of transcortical sensory aphasia?
The symptoms of transcortical sensory aphasia include:
- Using wrong words or made-up words (semantic paraphasia)
- Having a hard time understanding others
- Having difficulty naming objects correctly
- Good ability to repeat words, phrases, and sentences when others speak
A person with TSA may repeat questions rather than answering them when asked
Causes
What causes transcortical sensory aphasia?
Transcortical sensory aphasia is caused by brain damage to the areas surrounding Wernicke’s area, the part of the brain responsible for language production. This damage is usually caused by a stroke, although brain lesions, tumors, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other diseases can also cause TSA.
Which part of the brain is affected?
The part of the brain affected by transcortical sensory aphasia is the left hemisphere of the brain surrounding Wernicke’s area. These areas are called the temporal and parietal lobes surrounding Wernicke’s area.
Diagnosis
How is transcortical sensory aphasia diagnosed?
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) will diagnose transcortical sensory aphasia. The exam will include language assessments to see how well the patient can speak, understand, and repeat phrases or sentences.
A healthcare provider will also scan the brain using MRI or CT scans to determine which part of the brain has been damaged.
It’s often difficult for a medical provider to tell if a patient has TSA from an MRI alone. A language assessment from a certified SLP is the most reliable way to diagnose the condition.
Treatment
How is transcortical sensory aphasia treated?
Speech therapy with a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the best way to treat transcortical sensory aphasia. SLPs use techniques to retrain the brain to help people with TSA regain their communication skills or learn new ways to communicate. This may include:
- Speaking exercises like naming objects, repeating phrases, or answering questions
- Reading and writing practice to help connect written word and spoken word
- Training with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to help communicate more effectively
- Drawing or musical therapy to use different parts of the brain
The SLP may also provide training for caregivers and loved ones to help them better communicate with a person who has TSA and help them practice speaking when they’re not in a therapy session.
Medical providers might prescribe medications or treatments to help with the underlying medical condition that caused TSA.
Recovery and prevention
Can transcortical sensory aphasia improve?
Many people with transcortical sensory aphasia will find their ability to speak and understand improve with speech therapy. Most studies show that the earlier a person with TSA can start treatment, the better their outcomes will be.
Support from caregivers, family, and other loved ones can also help a person with TSA improve their speech. Studies show that practicing speech and comprehension improves outcomes for people with aphasia.
Some people with TSA may not recover all of their previous speaking abilities, but SLPs can help them find new ways to communicate through AAC devices, gestures, communication boards, or other methods.
Can transcortical sensory aphasia be prevented?
There is no way to prevent transcortical sensory aphasia. However, you can reduce your risk of developing TSA by:
- Reducing your risk of stroke through a healthy lifestyle (e.g. exercising, eating well)
- Wearing protective gear when doing any activity that could damage your head (e.g. wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle)
- Treating medical issues like stroke as soon as symptoms appear
Living with transcortical sensory aphasia
What is it like to live with transcortical sensory aphasia?
While they may have trouble communicating as clearly as they could in the past, people with TSA can learn new ways to communicate through AAC devices and other means.
People with TSA can benefit greatly from supportive friends and family members. Caregivers and others who interact with someone who has TSA can learn to support them in their communication. For example:
- Speak slowly
- Use shorter sentences and easier words (plain language)
- Be patient and give the patient time to process and respond
- Use AAC devices or communication boards
- Practice speaking, reading, writing, and understanding together
What emotional or psychological effects can occur?
People with transcortical sensory aphasia may become frustrated that they can’t speak or understand like they used to. They may also develop depression or anxiety or pull away from social situations.
Medical professionals may recommend a person with TSA take antidepressants or other medications to help them with emotional issues. Support groups and help from loved ones can also help with mental health issues that may arise.
