Aphasia is when a person loses the ability to communicate in words. Anomia is a problem naming objects. When you have aphasia-associated anomia, it is difficult to name people and things. Aphasia-associated anomia can be treated.
Anomia is caused by injury to the language areas of the brain. Examples of injury to the brain are:
Aphasia-associated anomia is more common in older people. Other factors that may increase your chance of aphasia-associated anomia include:
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.
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. A neurological examination may also be done to check brain function.
Imaging tests are used to evaluate the brain and other structures. These may include:
Other exams may include:
In some situations, your brain activity may be need to be measured. This can be done with an electroencephalogram (EEG).
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 will 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:
If you have signs of a stroke, call for emergency medical services right away.
National Aphasia Association
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
The Aphasia Institute
Brain Injury Association of Alberta
Aphasia. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Aphasia.htm. Accessed February 14, 2018.
Aphasia. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders website. Available at: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/aphasia. Updated December 2015. Accessed February 14, 2018.
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.
Lavoie M, Macoir J, Bier N. Effectiveness of technologies in the treatment of post-stroke anomia: A systematic review. J Commun Disord. 2017;65:43-53.
Last reviewed February 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
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.