What is Global Aphasia and How to Cope with It

By Beauty Adams
March 1, 2024

Global aphasia is a severe form of language impairment that affects both the ability to speak and understand language. It is caused by damage to multiple areas of the brain that are involved in language processing. In this blog post, we will explain what global aphasia is, what causes it, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what are some of the challenges and coping strategies for people with global aphasia and their caregivers.

What is Global Aphasia?

Aphasia is a general term for a group of disorders that affect the way a person communicates. There are different types of aphasia, depending on which part of the brain is damaged and how it affects the language skills. Global aphasia is the most severe type of aphasia, as it affects all aspects of language ability, including:

Speaking: People with global aphasia have difficulty or inability to produce words or sentences. They may only say a few words, such as “yes”, “no”, or “thank you”, or use sounds or gestures instead of words.
Understanding: People with global aphasia have difficulty or inability to comprehend what others say or write. They may not recognize simple words or sentences or may misunderstand the meaning or context of the message.
Reading: People with global aphasia have difficulty or inability to read words or texts. They may not recognize letters or symbols or may confuse them with other shapes or objects.
Writing: People with global aphasia have difficulty or inability to write words or texts. They may only write a few letters or symbols or may write them incorrectly or illegibly.

Global aphasia does not affect the intelligence or personality of the person, but it can make it very hard for them to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs, and to interact with others. People with global aphasia may also have other problems, such as:

Memory: People with global aphasia may have trouble remembering things, such as names, dates, events, or instructions.
Attention: People with global aphasia may have difficulty paying attention to one thing at a time, or may get easily distracted or confused by noises or other stimuli.
Vision: People with global aphasia may have problems with their eyesight, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Movement: People with global aphasia may have weakness or paralysis in one or both sides of their body, affecting their ability to walk, move, or perform daily activities.

What Causes Global Aphasia?

The most common cause of global aphasia is stroke, which is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain. This can happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (hemorrhagic stroke) or gets blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke). When this happens, the brain cells in the affected area do not get enough oxygen and nutrients, and they start to die. This can damage the parts of the brain that are responsible for language, such as:

Wernicke’s area: This is the part of the brain that helps us understand spoken and written language. It is located in the back of the left temporal lobe.
Broca’s area: This is the part of the brain that helps us produce spoken and written language. It is located in the front of the left frontal lobe.
Arcuate fasciculus: This is the pathway that connects Wernicke’s and Broca’s areas and allows them to coordinate their functions.

Global aphasia occurs when there is extensive damage to these areas, as well as other parts of the left hemisphere of the brain. This can happen when the stroke affects the left middle cerebral artery, which supplies blood to most of the left side of the brain.

Other possible causes of global aphasia include:

Traumatic brain injury: This is a damage to the brain caused by a violent blow or jolt to the head, such as from a fall, a car accident, or a gunshot wound. This can cause bleeding, swelling, or bruising in the brain, which can affect the language areas.
Brain tumor: This is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). As the tumor grows, it can press on or destroy the surrounding brain tissue, including the language areas.
Brain infection: This is an inflammation of the brain caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. This can cause fever, headache, seizures, or altered mental state, and can damage the brain tissue, including the language areas.

How is Global Aphasia Diagnosed?

Global aphasia is diagnosed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), who is a professional who specializes in evaluating and treating communication disorders. The SLP will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the person’s language skills, using various tests and tools, such as:

Oral language: The SLP will ask the person to name objects, answer questions, follow commands, repeat words or sentences, and have a conversation. The SLP will observe the person’s ability to produce and understand speech, as well as their fluency, accuracy, and clarity.
Written language: The SLP will ask the person to read words or texts, write words or sentences, and copy or match symbols. The SLP will observe the person’s ability to read and write, as well as their spelling, grammar, and handwriting.
Nonverbal communication: The SLP will ask the person to use gestures, facial expressions, or pictures to communicate. The SLP will observe the person’s ability to use and understand nonverbal cues, such as pointing, nodding, or smiling.

The SLP will also assess the person’s cognitive skills, such as memory, attention, and reasoning, as well as their physical abilities, such as vision, hearing, and movement. The SLP will use the results of the assessment to determine the type and severity of the aphasia, and to plan the appropriate treatment goals and strategies.

How is Global Aphasia Treated?

Global aphasia is treated by a team of professionals, who work together to help the person improve their language and communication skills, as well as their overall quality of life. The team may include:

Speech-language pathologist (SLP): The SLP will provide speech therapy, which is a set of exercises and activities that aim to stimulate and enhance the person’s language abilities. The SLP will tailor the therapy to the person’s needs, interests, and preferences, and will use various methods and materials, such as words, pictures, books, games, music, or technology. The SLP will also teach the person and their caregivers how to use alternative or augmentative communication (AAC) devices, such as boards, cards, or apps, that can help the person express themselves when speech is not possible or sufficient.
Occupational therapist (OT): The OT will provide occupational therapy, which is a set of exercises and activities that aim to improve the person’s ability to perform daily tasks and activities, such as dressing, eating, bathing, or working. The OT will also help the person adapt to their environment, and will suggest modifications or equipment that can make their life easier and safer, such as ramps, rails, or alarms.
Physical therapist (PT): The PT will provide physical therapy, which is a set of exercises and activities that aim to improve the person’s strength, balance, coordination, and mobility. The PT will also help the person prevent or manage complications, such as pain, stiffness, or spasticity, that can affect their movement and posture.
Neurologist: The neurologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain and nervous system. The neurologist will monitor the person’s condition, and will prescribe medications or treatments that can help prevent or reduce the risk of further brain damage, such as blood thinners, anti-seizure drugs, or surgery.
Psychologist: The psychologist is a professional who specializes in evaluating and treating mental and emotional health. The psychologist will help the person cope with the psychological and emotional effects of global aphasia, such as depression, anxiety, frustration, or isolation. The psychologist will also provide counseling and support to the person and their caregivers, and will help them deal with the stress and challenges of living with global aphasia.

The treatment for global aphasia is usually intensive and long-term, and it requires the active participation and cooperation of the person and their caregivers. The treatment goals and outcomes may vary depending on the person’s age, health, motivation, and expectations, as well as the cause, extent, and location of the brain damage. Some people may show significant improvement over time, while others may have permanent or limited recovery.

What are Some of the Challenges and Coping Strategies for People with Global Aphasia and Their Caregivers?

Global aphasia can have a profound impact on the person’s life and the lives of their loved ones. It can affect their ability to communicate, socialize, work, learn, and enjoy their hobbies and interests. It can also affect their self-esteem, identity, and independence. Some of the common challenges and coping strategies for people with global aphasia and their caregivers are:

Communication: Communication is one of the most difficult and frustrating aspects of global aphasia. People with global aphasia and their caregivers may have trouble understanding each other, expressing their thoughts and feelings, and having meaningful conversations. Some of the strategies that can help improve communication are:
- Be patient and supportive: Communication takes time and effort, and it can be stressful and exhausting for both parties. Try to be patient and supportive, and avoid rushing, interrupting, or correcting the person with global aphasia. Give them enough time and space to communicate, and encourage them to use any method or device that works for them.
- Be clear and simple: Use simple words and sentences, and avoid jargon, slang, or idioms. Speak slowly and clearly, and use gestures, facial expressions, or pictures to support your message. Repeat or rephrase your message if needed, and check for understanding by asking yes/no questions or having the person repeat or confirm what you said.
- Be positive and respectful: Communication is not only about exchanging information, but also about building and maintaining relationships. Try to be positive and respectful, and avoid criticizing, blaming, or patronizing the person with global aphasia. Focus on what they can do, not what they cannot do, and praise their efforts and achievements. Show interest and empathy, and listen actively and attentively to what they have to say.
Socialization: Socialization is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of life, but it can also be one of the most challenging and isolating for people with global aphasia. People with global aphasia and their caregivers may feel lonely, misunderstood, or excluded from their family, friends, or community. Some of the strategies that can help improve socialization are:
- Seek support and connection: Social support and connection are essential for the well-being and recovery of people with global aphasia and their caregivers. Seek support and connection from your family, friends, or other people who care about you, and who can offer you emotional, practical, or financial help. You can also join a support group, where you can meet and share your experiences and feelings with other people who have or care for someone with global aphasia. You can find a local or online support group through the National Aphasia Association or the Aphasia Hope Foundation.
- Engage in social activities: Social activities are a great way to have fun, learn, and interact with others. Engage in social activities that you enjoy, or that are meaningful or beneficial for you, such as hobbies, sports, games, music, art, or volunteering. You can also participate in aphasia-friendly activities, such as aphasia choirs, aphasia cafes, or aphasia camps, where you can meet and socialize with other people with aphasia in a safe and supportive environment. You can find more information and resources about aphasia-friendly activities on the Aphasia Access website.
- Educate and advocate: Education and advocacy are important for raising awareness and understanding of global aphasia, and for improving the rights and opportunities of people with global aphasia. Educate and advocate for yourself and others by informing and educating your family, friends, and community about global aphasia, and by requesting and providing feedback on the accessibility and quality of the services and facilities that you use. You can also join or support local or national organizations that promote and advocate for the interests and needs of people with global aphasia, such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the Aphasia Institute.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about global aphasia:

Q: Can global aphasia be cured?
A: There is no cure for global aphasia, but there is hope for recovery. Recovery depends on many factors, such as the cause, extent, and location of the brain damage, the age and health of the person, the quality and intensity of the treatment, and the support and motivation of the person and their caregivers. Some people may recover partially or fully over time, while others may have permanent or limited improvement. The recovery process is usually slow and gradual, and it may take months or years.
Q: How common is global aphasia?
A: Global aphasia is the least common type of aphasia, affecting about 5% of people with aphasia. According to the National Aphasia Association, about 2 million people in the United States have aphasia, and about 180,000 people acquire it each year.
Q: How can I help someone with global aphasia?
A: The best way to help someone with global aphasia is to be supportive, patient, and respectful, and to communicate with them effectively and positively. You can also help them by encouraging and assisting them to participate in their treatment and rehabilitation, and by providing them with opportunities and resources to improve their language and communication skills, as well as their overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Global aphasia is a severe form of language impairment that affects both the ability to speak and understand language. It is caused by damage to multiple areas of the brain that are involved in language processing, usually due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, or brain infection. Global aphasia can have a profound impact on the person’s life and the lives of their loved ones, affecting their ability to communicate, socialize, work, learn, and enjoy their hobbies and interests. However, there is hope for recovery, and there are many ways to cope with the challenges and difficulties of global aphasia. With the help of a team of professionals, as well as the support and connection of their family, friends, and community, people with global aphasia can improve their language and communication skills, as well as their overall quality of life.

I hope you found this blog post informative and helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!