Aphasia.

Abstract

Language refers to a system of communication that utilizes a variety of arbitrary symbols to convey meaning. Aphasia is a neurological condition whereby language processing is disturbed as a result of regional brain dysfunction. Aphasia can result in disturbance of language comprehension, production, or both, and can affect the ability to read and write. No single behavioral presentation is asso ciated with aphasia; rather, depending on the location and size of the underlying brain lesion, there are constellations of impairments that vary in severity and can cluster into one of the recognized syndromes.Aphasia can be caused by a wide variety of neurological con ditions. The most common cause of aphasia is stroke; however, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, abscess or infection, and certain neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., primary progressive aphasia, Alzheimer's disease) can also cause aphasia. Transient aphasia can occur during or following a seizure (e.g., postictal aphasia) in the dominant hemisphere or during a transient ischemic attack or