Aphasia

Overview

Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to speak, understand language, read, or write. It is typically caused by brain injury, most often as a result of stroke or trauma to the language centres of the brain.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we offer specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults with aphasia. Our multidisciplinary team helps patients regain communication skills and rebuild confidence through personalised therapy programmes.

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What Causes Aphasia?

Aphasia occurs when the language-dominant areas of the brain—usually in the left hemisphere—are damaged. Common causes include:

• Ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Brain tumours
• Infections (e.g. encephalitis)
• Progressive neurological conditions (e.g. primary progressive aphasia)

The severity and type of aphasia vary depending on the location and extent of brain damage.

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Types of Aphasia

There are several forms of aphasia, including:

• Broca’s (expressive) aphasia – difficulty forming words and sentences, but comprehension may be preserved. Speech is often slow and effortful.
• Wernicke’s (receptive) aphasia – fluent but nonsensical speech and impaired understanding of spoken and written language.
• Global aphasia – severe impairment in both expression and comprehension, often seen immediately after large strokes.
• Anomic aphasia – difficulty finding the right words, especially names or objects, despite relatively fluent speech.

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Symptoms of Aphasia

Aphasia affects each individual differently, but common symptoms include:

• Trouble speaking or forming sentences
• Difficulty understanding spoken language
• Problems with reading and writing
• Substituting words or using made-up words
• Inability to name objects (word-finding difficulties)
• Frustration or social withdrawal due to communication barriers

Aphasia does not affect intelligence. Many people with aphasia know what they want to say but cannot express it.

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Diagnosis

Aphasia is typically diagnosed through:

• Neurological assessment following a known brain injury or stroke
• Neuroimaging (e.g. CT or MRI) to locate the area of damage
• Speech and language therapy assessment to determine the type and severity of language loss
• Neuropsychological testing (where appropriate)

Early rehabilitation offers the best chance for regaining communication abilities.

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Inpatient Rehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We provide structured, consultant-led inpatient rehabilitation for adults with aphasia. Our integrated team works together to maximise recovery and promote independence.

Speech and Language Therapy

Our speech and language therapists play a central role in aphasia rehabilitation:

• One-to-one and group therapy sessions
• Exercises to improve word retrieval, grammar, and comprehension
• Alternative communication methods (e.g. writing, gesture, AAC tools)
• Support for reading and writing skills
• Education and training for families and carers

Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation

In addition to speech therapy, we offer:

Occupational Therapy

• Support with daily tasks requiring communication
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Environmental adaptations and communication aids

Physiotherapy

• Mobility and coordination rehabilitation (if aphasia is part of a wider stroke or brain injury)
• Postural control and balance training

Neuropsychology

• Emotional support and coping strategies
• Therapy for adjustment to communication loss
• Cognitive assessments as needed

Specialist Nursing

• 24-hour care and routine monitoring
• Support for personal care and medication routines
• Assistance with swallowing difficulties (if present)

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Who We Support

We help adults (18+) who:

• Have developed aphasia following stroke, brain injury, or neurological illness
• Require coordinated, specialist therapy in an inpatient setting
• Need support with speaking, understanding, reading, or writing
• May also be experiencing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges

Contact our admissions team on 01296 678800 or enquire online.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Extensive experience in post-stroke and brain injury rehabilitation
• Consultant-led team delivering integrated therapy
• Inpatient support up to 7 days a week
• Calm, private hospital setting designed for neurological recovery
• Family training and discharge planning included