The type and severity of language dysfunction depends on the precise location and extent of the damaged brain tissue. The patient knows what he wants to say, but cannot find the words he needs. Receptive aphasia involves difficulty understanding spoken or written language. The patient hears the voice or sees the print but cannot make sense of the words. Global aphasia results from severe and extensive damage to the language areas of the brain.
Patients lose almost all language function, both comprehension and expression.
They cannot speak or understand speech, nor can they read or write. In some instances, an individual will completely recover from aphasia without treatment. In most cases, however, language therapy should begin as soon as possible and be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Rehabilitation with a speech pathologist involves extensive exercises in which patients read, write, follow directions, and repeat what they hear. Computer-aided therapy may supplement standard language therapy.