Brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of aphasia. TBI is usually caused by direct head trauma, such as a car accident or a severe fall. If the injury happens to a part of the brain that controls language, you may develop aphasia.

TBI can be classified as either mild, moderate, or severe. Aphasia from TBI is often very similar to aphasia after stroke or other conditions.

How can aphasia appear with a brain injury?

If you experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that impacts the language centers of your brain, you may develop aphasia. People with aphasia from brain injury are more likely to have pragmatic language impairments. This means they can have trouble staying on topic, taking turns in a conversation, or using appropriate facial expressions.

The type of aphasia you experience after brain injury will depend on where the injury occurs and how severe the damage is.

People with brain injuries will likely have other symptoms, including:

• Physical affects (headaches, nausea, seizures, weakness/paralysis, or movement impairment)
• Cognitive issues (trouble with memory, attention, reasoning, problem-solving, organizing, or impulse control)
• Changes to vision
• Hearing loss or other hearing changes (like tinnitus or hypersensitivity)
• Mood and personality changes (sometimes over-reactive or unemotional)

Which parts of the brain are affected?

Aphasia caused by brain injury happens when the language parts of the brain are impacted. These areas of the brain are usually on the left side.

A traumatic brain injury may damage the language centers directly, or it may impacts the areas around the language centers.

How is aphasia related to a brain injury diagnosed?

First, medical professionals will complete a series of physical and neurological tests. They will also likely do a scan of the brain, such as MRI or CT scan, to see what parts of the brain are damaged.

A speech-language pathologist will assess your language and cognitive abilities to determine what type of aphasia you have and what your treatment options are.

How is aphasia treated when caused by a brain injury?

The most common treatment for aphasia caused by brain injury is speech therapy.

People who experience traumatic brain injury may not heal as quickly or easily as from other conditions. They may also experience more long-term aphasia.

Speech therapy with a speech-language pathologist is often the best treatment for aphasia caused by TBI. This will usually include helping you find communication strategies and possibly tools to support your ability to express yourself or understand others.

Can aphasia caused by a brain injury improve?

Recovery from aphasia caused by brain injury varies by person. It can depend on the severity of the brain injury, what part of the brain was injured, your overall health, and if you can access therapy.

Many people will find that their aphasia improves as they heal from the brain injury. Some people may have long-term language challenges.

Speech therapy can help improve aphasia over time. A speech-language pathologist can develop a treatment plan to help you recover or learn new ways to communicate.

Can aphasia related to a brain injury be prevented?

Aphasia from brain injury can’t always be prevented. The best way to prevent aphasia from brain injury is to reduce your risk of having TBI. This includes wearing protective headgear when doing any activity that could harm your brain, such as wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle.

It’s also important to follow any treatment plan your medical provider gives you to heal from your brain injury.

What is it like to live with aphasia?

Aphasia can affect daily activities and make it more difficult to communicate with others. People with aphasia caused by brain injury may find it harder to participate in social activities than before the injury.

People with aphasia from brain injury often find strategies, therapy, and support to participate in daily life. Speech-language pathologists, medical providers, caregivers, friends, and family can help, too.

What emotional or psychological effects can occur?

If you have aphasia due to brain injury, you may experience frustration or confusion that you can’t communicate the way you used to. Some people experience depression, anxiety, or social isolation. TBI can cause other emotional changes, which can impact your feelings, as well.

Your medical providers, speech therapists, and caregivers can help provide support. You may try medical treatments such as prescription drugs for depression or anxiety. Friends and family can also play an important role in helping you through any emotional affects you may experience.