Types of Aphasia

Aphasia is a class of language disability that has a wide range of symptoms. The simplest is simply a difficulty remembering words, but for some people the disorder is so severe that people are unable to use language in either its spoken or written form. This tragic learning disability can be present at birth, or the disorder can manifest after some brain damaging incident. What is particularly tragic is when these forms of brain damage are the result of a surgical or medical error.

Broca’s Aphasia

Broca’s aphasia makes someone unable to produce language as we know it. Also called expressive aphasia, the sufferer cannot form sentences, if he or she can speak words at all. Speech is deliberate, slow, and lacks the tonal shifts we are accustomed to hearing. In addition, the ability to write is also harmed.

Wernecke’s Aphasia

This type of aphasia makes it difficult for the sufferer to be able to process language at all. Wernecke’s aphasia, or receptive aphasia, makes the sounds of language, our words and sentences, totally unintelligible to someone with the disorder. As a result, anyone suffering Wernecke’s aphasia would be unable to express himself or herself. The words and sentences come out as nonsense.

Contact Us

Whether it is delayed treatment in the aftermath of a stroke or some other form of medical malpractice, the deleterious effects of aphasia are life altering. For some, it takes the joy out of life permanently. If you or a loved one suffers this disorder because of a medical professional’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Call 610-667-7511 to reach a Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer at Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.