Variations in the Presentation of Aphasia in Patients with Closed Head Injuries

Abstract

Impairments of speech and language are important consequences of head injury as they compromise interaction between the patient and others. A large spectrum of communication deficits can occur. There are few reports in the literature of aphasia following closed head injury despite the common presentation of closed head injury. Herein we report two cases of closed head injuries with differing forms of aphasia. We discuss their management and rehabilitation and present a detailed literature review on the topic. In a busy acute surgical unit one can dismiss aphasia following head injury as behaviour related to intoxication. Early recognition with prolonged and intensive speech and language rehabilitation therapy yields a favourable outcome as highlighted in our experience. These may serve as a reference for clinicians faced with this unusual outcome.

Speech and language dysfunctions in patients with cerebrocortical disorders admitted in a neurosurgical unit

“…Aphasia is defined as the impairment of comprehension or production of language in written or spoken forms due to an acquired lesion of the dominant cerebral hemisphere. [1] There are many types of aphasia and they are broadly classified as nonfluent and fluent types. In nonfluent aphasias, comprehension is preserved to some extent, but expression is severely affected.…”

The Embodiment of Post-Concussion Syndrome: Reflexive Research, Acting Athletes, Managing Medical Professionals, and Moral Trepidation

“…brain injury and is also under-researched (Kavanagh et al 2010). I can note instances of aphasia in my own life, particularly in verbalizing my thoughts but typing does not seem to be affected to the same extent.…”