National Aphasia Awareness Month: Understanding Aphasia and the Role of MRI

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, a time to highlight a condition that affects nearly two million Americans and often goes unrecognized. Aphasia is a communication disorder that impairs a person’s ability to speak, understand language, read, or write. It usually results from damage to the areas of the brain responsible for language, most commonly following a stroke. Other causes may include traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, or certain neurological diseases.

What Is Aphasia?

Aphasia does not affect intelligence, but it can change the way a person expresses or processes language. For some, aphasia may be mild, making it harder to find the right words. Others may lose nearly all ability to communicate using language. The most common type, called Broca’s aphasia, affects speech production. Wernicke’s aphasia impacts comprehension. There are also global forms that impair both speaking and understanding.

How Is Aphasia Diagnosed?

Diagnosing aphasia typically begins with a neurological exam, especially when there are sudden symptoms like difficulty speaking or confusion. Imaging tests play an important role in identifying the cause. An MRI scan is often used to detect structural changes in the brain. MRI helps pinpoint the area of damage, such as regions affected by a stroke or mass, providing key insight for medical teams and speech-language pathologists.

Additional testing may include a full speech and language assessment to better understand the type and severity of aphasia. These evaluations help guide treatment planning.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Treatment for aphasia often involves speech and language therapy, which focuses on restoring communication skills and developing new ways to communicate. Therapy is tailored to each person and may involve one-on-one sessions, group therapy, or technology-based tools.

Some people regain language skills quickly, particularly after a mild stroke. Others may require long-term therapy and support. Progress can vary widely, but early diagnosis and a supportive environment can help improve outcomes.

Medications and clinical trials are being explored, though no drug currently cures aphasia. Collaboration between neurologists, radiologists, speech therapists, and caregivers is key to managing care.

How to Raise Awareness This Month

Aphasia Awareness Month encourages greater understanding and compassion for those living with this condition. Simple ways to raise awareness include:

• Sharing stories from individuals and families affected by aphasia
• Supporting local and national aphasia organizations
• Learning communication tips, such as speaking slowly, using gestures, or writing things down
• Spreading facts through social media or educational events

Most people have heard of conditions like stroke or Alzheimer’s but may not know that aphasia can be one of their outcomes. Awareness can lead to earlier recognition, more supportive interactions, and better access to care.

At ImageCare Radiology, we are proud to support early diagnosis by offering high-quality MRI imaging that helps uncover the neurological causes behind communication difficulties. This month, and every month, we stand with individuals and families navigating aphasia.