View All Speech Recovery and Development Center Articles

Stroke

Content provided by:

Understanding Aphasia

Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension. Learn more about this complex disorder ›

TOOLS & RESOURCES

When a Left-Hemisphere Stroke Affects Language

One day, you can speak to others and understand what they say in return. You can write an e-mail and read a sign. The next day, some or all of these crucial abilities are gone. That’s how it is for more than one million Americans who have aphasia—a disorder caused by damage to parts of the brain that control speech and language. The most common cause of aphasia is a stroke. Specifically, it’s usually a stroke on the left side of the brain, called the left hemisphere. In most people, this is the side of the brain where language is based.

Learn more about the approaches to treatment, and tips for communicating ›

Famous People Who've Suffered Strokes

Almost 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, and the famous are not immune.

See Photo Gallery ›

When a Right-Hemisphere Stroke Affects Communication

Imagine a person who has suffered a stroke and now has trouble talking with others. Chances are, you’re imagining someone who struggles to think of the right words or put them in the right order. Such problems usually result from a stroke on the left side of the brain, called the left hemisphere. A right-hemisphere stroke may not affect speech as dramatically.

But it can still make it difficult to carry on an ordinary conversation ›