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Aphasia (trouble with language)

Also called: Aphasia, trouble with language

Trouble speaking, understanding, reading, or writing, usually from a stroke or brain injury.

SuddenEmergency (stroke)

Overview

Aphasia affects language, not intelligence.

Speech therapy helps people improve for months to years.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Trouble finding words

Less common

  • Trouble understanding

Look up a symptom: New confusion or not acting like themselves

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, or vision loss: call 911.
Get care todayNew or worse symptoms, or symptoms with fever.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.

Causes

Brain injury.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Stroke

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Brain scan:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

  • Speech therapy
  • Use short sentences
  • Give extra time to talk
  • Use pictures and gestures

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Families: Learn communication tips.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Many people improve.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What's causing this?
  • What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Aphasia (trouble with language)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.