Treatment for Brain Damage: Dealing with Anomic Aphasia

Brain damage can create a wide range of effects; many are strange or oddly specific depending on which areas of the brain are affected. When an area of the brain associated with language functions is damaged, aphasia can result. Aphasias are deficits in language ability and can take many forms. One type of aphasia is anomic aphasia, which involves difficulty remembering words or names. Generally the person can speak with correct grammar, but must circumlocute in order to express an idea that he or she can no longer recall the word for. For example, someone may be unable to name a raccoon, and instead resorts to something along the lines of “those grey animals with stripy tails and little bandit masks.” Generally anomic aphasia can be managed, but for the most part people do not recover completely. 

What Causes Anomic Aphasia?

Anomic aphasia is caused by damage to the parietal lobe or temporal lobe of the brain. In most individuals, this is more likely if the damage occurs on the left side of the brain, which is where language is usually processed. Damage can result from a stroke, traumatic injury, or a tumor. 

Types of Anomia 

There are three main types of anomic aphasia:

·         Word selection anomia occurs when a patient can recognize an object when it is named, but cannot name it. Sometimes the anomia only affects naming certain kinds of objects, such as animals or colors.

 

·         Semantic anomia involves a loss of word meanings. The person can no longer recognize the name of an object and is unable to say it when asked.

·         Disconnection anomia results from impairment in the pathways that connect sensory and language corticies. For example, the person may be able to name an object when the information is presented by sound or touch, but not when it is presented visually.  

What Kind of Treatment for Brain Damage Can Help with Anomic Aphasia? 

Anomic aphasia cannot be cured entirely, but exercises that help in word-finding and circumlocution skills can help people manage the disorder. These exercises include:

·         Circumlocution Induced Naming Therapy, in which the patient uses circumlocution to assist with naming, can help people with anomic aphasia by strengthening the relationship between semantics (word meaning) and phonology (word sounds).

·         Picture naming is a therapeutic method that can help for anomic aphasia. Pictures or props can be used to help prompt the patient.

·         Long-term speech therapy is often indicated in cases of anomic aphasia.

When an area of the brain associated with language functions is damaged, aphasia can result. One type of aphasia is anomic aphasia, which involves difficulty remembering words or names. While there are exercises available to help with this condition, there is no cure. If you are in the Port Washington area and would like more information on anomic aphasia and the ways to manage this condition, please contact us today.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR BRAIN DAMAGE IN PORT WASHINGTON, NY