Symptoms

Symptoms of Aphasia

Signs and symptoms of aphasia can vary depending on the area of the brain impacted and the extent of damage. Someone with aphasia may:

• Have difficulty finding words
• Not understand what you are saying
• Have trouble speaking, reading or writing
• Talk in incomplete or short sentences
• Not be able to process longer words
• Say or write something that makes no sense
• Use made-up or unrecognizable words

If someone you love shows sudden symptoms of aphasia, seek immediate medical attention. If aphasia develops following a stroke or brain injury, Northwestern Medicine staffs skilled speech therapists and support programs to help improve language abilities and quality of life.