Transcortical Aphasia: An Overview
Abstract
Transcortical aphasia is a language disorder characterized by a disruption of language comprehension and production that is caused by damage to the cortex of the brain. This disorder is clinically divided into two types: transcortical sensory aphasia and transcortical motor aphasia. This review article provides an overview of the current scientific literature on transcortical aphasia, including its diagnosis, treatment, and etiology. Additionally, this article discusses potential areas of research that may be beneficial for furthering the understanding of this disorder.
Introduction
Transcortical aphasia is a type of language disorder that is characterized by a disruption in language comprehension and production due to damage to the cortex of the brain (Mesulam, 2015). Transcortical aphasia is typically observed after a stroke or other brain injury and is divided into two types: transcortical sensory aphasia and transcortical motor aphasia (Rosen & Saffran, 2016). Transcortical sensory aphasia is characterized by a difficulty in understanding language but a relative preservation of language production, while transcortical motor aphasia is characterized by a difficulty in producing language but a relative preservation of language comprehension (Rosen & Saffran, 2016). This review article provides an overview of the current scientific literature on transcortical aphasia, including its diagnosis, treatment, and etiology. Additionally, this article discusses potential areas of research that may be beneficial for furthering the understanding of this disorder.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of transcortical aphasia is typically based on the patient’s performance on language tests and the presence of neurological symptoms (Mesulam, 2015). Language tests can include measures of expressive, receptive, and written language. Additionally, the patient’s performance on cognitive tests can provide valuable insight into the diagnosis of transcortical aphasia (Mesulam, 2015). For example, if a patient performs poorly on tests of executive functioning, this could be an indication of a transcortical aphasia. Additionally, imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be used to assess for brain lesions that may be associated with transcortical aphasia (Rosen & Saffran, 2016).
Treatment
The treatment of transcortical aphasia is typically focused on language rehabilitation. Language rehabilitation typically involves the use of language therapy to improve comprehension and production of language (Mesulam, 2015). Additionally, the use of cognitive rehabilitation can be beneficial for improving executive functioning and other cognitive domains that are affected by transcortical aphasia (Mesulam, 2015). Furthermore, the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, such as picture boards or voice output devices, can be used to supplement language production and aid in communication (Rosen & Saffran, 2016).
Etiology
The etiology of transcortical aphasia is typically due to brain damage, such as stroke or traumatic brain injury (Mesulam, 2015). Additionally, transcortical aphasia can be caused by degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease (Mesulam, 2015). Furthermore, transcortical aphasia can be caused by certain medications, such as anticoagulants or chemotherapeutic agents (Mesulam, 2015).
Conclusion
Transcortical aphasia is a language disorder characterized by a disruption of language comprehension and production that is caused by damage to the cortex of the brain. This review article provided an overview of the current scientific literature on transcortical aphasia, including its diagnosis, treatment, and etiology. Additionally, this article discussed potential areas of research that may be beneficial for furthering the understanding of this disorder.
References
Mesulam, M. (2015). Principles of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Rosen, J. B., & Saffran, E. M. (2016). Clinical Aphasiology: A Manual of Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment Planning. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.