February is “Aphasia Awareness Month”!

I didn’t know that February is Aphasia Month! Hah. Well, I don’t know where I read it, but aphasia month it is.

“Aphasia means I have lost my words, not my intellect.”

I have Broca’s Aphasia caused by my stroke (high-blood pressure). Aphasia and stroke… one effects voice (conversation is tough for me) and one affects movement of right side (stroke).

I’m getting better– slowly, but getting better.

Now…
(they made some video, so can just sit back and relax… well, sit back and try to relax. Ha)

What is Aphasia?

 

What is Broca’s Aphasia?

 

Read

You read-types, I think it is the definition give here is the best one:

Aphasia is a disorder that results from damage to portions of the brain that are responsible for language. For most people, these areas are on the left side of the brain. Aphasia usually occurs suddenly, often following a stroke or head injury, but it may also develop slowly, as the result of a brain tumor or a progressive neurological disease. The disorder impairs the expression and understanding of language as well as reading and writing.
…

People with Broca’s aphasia may understand speech and know what they want to say, but they frequently speak in short phrases that are produced with great effort. They often omit small words, such as “is,” “you”, “and” and “the.”

For example, a person with Broca’s aphasia may say, “Walk dog,” meaning, “I will take the dog for a walk,” or “book book two table,” for “There are two books on the table.” People with Broca’s aphasia typically understand the speech of others fairly well. Because of this, they are often aware of their difficulties and can become easily frustrated.

NIH definition of Aphasia

What do I do at a taxi or to start a conversation?

I give them this:

제(내)가 뇌출혈에 의한 실어증으로 말을 아직 자유롭게 하지 못합니다. 지능적으로는 문제가 없어 듣고 이해하는 데는 아무 문제가 없습니다

영어는 문제가 없고, 간단한 한국말은 이해합니다. 영어 와 한국어를 다시 배워야 합니다. 어렵습니다. 그러나 접점 좋아지고 있습니다. 시간이 좀 걸릴 것 같습니다. 파이팅!!

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I have aphasia (caused by my stroke). My intelligence is in tact. So, I listen and understand no problem.

Speaking is my problem. I have to relearn English and Korean. And it’s hard.
I’m getting better, and it will take time.

And then I will take it from there. 🙂

For those that want to learn more in a short-content video…

Aphasia: How it affects the brain

🙂

For kids!

 

Communication Tips for Aphasia

 

Favorite TED Talks about Aphasia (and Brain Injury)

 

Recovery without limits: Brain Science & Hope for Stroke survivors | Kari Dunning 

 

The Woman Who Changed Her Brain: Barbara Arrowsmith-Young

 

What types of Aphasia are there?

I have a Broca’s Aphasia. Once again… it is getting slowly better.

Conclusion

Aphasia is frustrating.

So, slow down (in terms of response time), just give me time to formulating my words.  Words and verbal communication are difficult. Really difficult and my intellect is same.

Repeat: My intellect is the same!

…and that is it.

“Aphasia Awareness Month” is complete.
🙂

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