Global aphasia
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The symptoms of global aphasia are those of severe Broca's aphasia and Wernicke's aphasia combined. There is an almost total reduction of all aspects of spoken and written language, in expression as well as comprehension. Improvement may occur in one or both areas (expressive and receptive) over time with rehabilitation. What is interesting to point out is that in patients of global aphasia other cognitive skills remain functioning - a phenomenon affirming that language faculty is indeed a separate domain.
Global aphasia is a type of aphasia that is usually associated with a large lesion in the presylvian area. It involves a "left side blowout" which includes Broca's area, Wernicke's area and the Arcuate fasciculus.
When injury initially occurs to all of these areas, the progression starts out with Global aphasia in the first 1-2 days due brain swelling (Edema). From there it evolves into Brocas or Wernicke's aphasia for 1-3 months (usually Broca's), then it resolves into a presidual anomic aphasia. Studies show that spontaneous improvement, if it happens, occurs within six months, but complete recovery is rare.
Persons with global aphasia are usually mute or use repetitive vocalization. The person frequently uses simple words such as expletives. They are marked by a severe impairment of both understanding and expression of language. Although, they can maintain communication through gestures.
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Like most forms of Aphasia, damage to the Broca's Area, in addition to Wernicke's Area, is responsible for the combination of symptoms seen in Global Aphasia. Since both areas are involved in understanding and production of speech, a cluster of symptoms encompassing both will be present. Patient can barely comprehend, or make sense, out of spoken or written language.
Causes
Global Aphasia can generally be caused by stroke, cerebral tumors, cerebral infection, trauma, or certain long-standing neurodegenerative conditions. However, stroke, seems to be the commonest cause of Global aphasia, and occurs alongside weakened limbs, which is usually an indication of other areas of the brain being involved. For this reason alone, Global Aphasia is generally more common in the elderly.
Differentiating Global Aphasia from Other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
- Impaired Comprehension and interpretation of language.
- Impaired understanding and Formulation of language.
- Paralysis of unilateral limbs(Stroke patients)
- Impaired pronunciation of language and certain sounds.
- Poor control of mouth, voice box, and tongue.
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Prognosis
Prognosis for Aphasic patients can be determined by cause of aphasia, age of patient, and presence of other co-morbidities. Older patients have a harder time recovering. Aphasia caused by stroke has a better prognosis, than that caused by a tumor, or neurodegenerative disease. Of critical importance is the ability of patients to live independently following diagnosis. This is rarely achieved, as Aphasia can persist for months to years.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Multiple treatment modalities exist for Global Aphasia which includes:
1)Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Simulation(rTMS): Usually used in post-stroke rehabilitation.[1]
2)Speech and Language Therapy(SLT): Has been known to be beneficial in Aphasic patients.
3) Transcranial Direct Current Simulation: When used in conjunction with speech therapy was known to be effective, rather than when used alone.
4)Piracetam: Known pharmacological agent used in global aphasia. Studies have shown little benefit in improving overall severity of aphasia, however, the writing ability of patients had a slight improvement. Overall, there has been no significant data, to support benefits of piracetam.
References
Template:Psych-stub Template:WikiDoc Sources
- ↑ <pmid>31467892</pmid>