Pronounced: ah-FAY-zhah ah–SOSH-ee-ay-ted ah-NOM-ee-ah
When you have this condition, it is difficult to name people and things. This is a type of aphasia , which is a language disorder. Aphasia-associated anomia can be treated.
Like aphasia, anomia is caused by damage to the language areas of the brain. Examples of damage to the brain are:
These factors increase your chance of developing aphasia-associated anomia:
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.
If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to anomia. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have difficulty finding the right word when speaking and writing. For example, instead of using an exact word, you may use ambiguous or roundabout speech, such as:
In most cases, you can understand speech and read.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He will do a physical exam and may perform a neurological examination, tests to check brain function, and/or order the following:
You may be referred to a neurologist. This is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the nervous system.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
The speech therapist will help you to:
Therapy may occur one-on-one or in a group. Activities may include:
You'll learn how to apply the lessons learned in speech therapy to your life. Counseling can help you to adjust to returning home. It can also help your family learn ways to better communicate with you.
Since stroke is a common cause of aphasia, follow these guidelines to help prevent stroke:
RESOURCES:
National Aphasia Association
http://www.aphasia.org/
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/index.asp/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Aphasia Institute
http://www.aphasia.ca/
Brain Injury Association of Alberta
http://www.biaa.ab.ca/
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/splash/
References:
Aphasia. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Aphasia.htm . Accessed November 5, 2008.
Aphasia. EBSCO Publishing DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated June 2007. Accessed November 17, 2008.
Aphasia. EBSCO Publishing Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16topicID=1034 . Updated November 2008. Accessed November 5, 2008.
Aphasia. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders website. Available at: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/aphasia.asp . Accessed November 5, 2008.
Kirshner HS. Aphasia and aphasic syndromes. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Butterworth Heniemann Elsevier; 2008: 141-160.
More aphasia facts. The National Aphasia Association website. Available at: http://www.aphasia.org/Aphasia%20Facts/aphasia_facts.html . Accessed November 5, 2008.
Stedman TL. Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005: 117; B9; B13; 1849-1850.
Winn P, ed. Dictionary of Biological Psychology. London, England: Routledge; 2001: 95-96
Last reviewed November 2008 by Judy Chang, MD, FAASM
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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