Quick Answer
Aphasia affects ~25% of stroke survivors — it's a language disorder, not an intelligence problem. Recovery is possible with early speech therapy.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • NMC 8029 • Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center
Aphasia is an acquired language disorder caused by damage to the brain's language centers — usually from stroke, but also from trauma, tumors or dementia. It affects the ability to speak, understand speech, read or write — while intelligence remains intact. Understanding aphasia helps families support recovery and set realistic expectations.
Types of aphasia
Broca's aphasia: difficulty producing speech — effortful, short phrases, preserved comprehension. Wernicke's aphasia: fluent but meaningless speech, poor comprehension. Global aphasia: severe impairment of both. Anomic aphasia: word-finding difficulty with preserved fluency and comprehension.
Recovery timeline
Most recovery occurs in the first 3–6 months, but improvement continues for years. Early speech therapy (within weeks of stroke) produces the best outcomes. Recovery depends on stroke location/size, age, overall health and therapy intensity. Even severe aphasia can improve substantially with persistent therapy.
Speech therapy approaches
Constraint-induced language therapy, melodic intonation therapy (using song to retrain speech), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, and group therapy all help. Family involvement is crucial — learning communication strategies (yes/no questions, drawing, writing key words) improves daily interaction.
When to seek professional evaluation
Aphasia evaluation and rehabilitation planning are part of post-stroke care at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic — early referral to speech therapy produces the best outcomes.
This guide is educational and does not replace individual medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Answers reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
Note time of onset, call emergency services, do not give food/drink or leave the person alone.
TIA symptoms resolve, but it signals high short-term stroke risk. Urgent evaluation and prevention planning are essential.
Migraine is a neurological condition; headache is one feature. Associated symptoms and functional impact are important for diagnosis.
Aura refers to visual, sensory, or speech symptoms that precede the headache in some people. Both types are migraine; the presence of aura may influence management discussion.
FAST: Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech change, Time to emergency. TIA (transient deficit that resolves) is also an emergency — 10–20% have stroke within 90 days. At the clinic, secondary prevention (antiplatelet/anticoagulant, blood pressure, statin, diabetes control) and rehabilitation planning follow hospital dischar…
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Content on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. In case of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. No doctor–patient relationship is established by use of this site or by contacting the clinic through the site.
References & Review
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
- International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3).
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine — Neurology sections.
- American Academy of Neurology guidelines for selected conditions (where applicable).
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.