How to Diagnose Aphasia

Aphasia is described as a condition of impaired spoken or written language. Today, the disorder is not as difficult to treat as it was before, but timely diagnosis and early medical intervention are still necessary. There are many causes of aphasia; among them, stroke and external injury are most common.

To diagnose aphasia and types of aphasia, a bedside evaluation either by a speech pathologist or neuropsychologist is mandatory. He/she may conduct some tests and confirm the diagnosis of aphasia.

Some standardized tests for making aphasia diagnosis are Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, Porch Index of Speech Ability, and Western Aphasia Battery. These examinations include testing the patient’s ability to speak, express ideas, understand language, read, and write. The above diagnostic tests indicate the severity and location of brain damage. Based on the test results, the aphasia type is determined, like fluent aphasia, nonfluent aphasia, or pure aphasia.

MRI and CT scan also help ascertain the location and extent of brain damage. From this information, the aphasia type is established and prognosis of aphasia is made. Once aphasia type is diagnosed, specific aphasia treatments are started.

For more information on aphasia, see below:

Aphasia: Top 5 Symptoms

Aphasia: The Latest Medical Breakthroughs

Aphasia: Top Natural Supplements for Treatment