When a stroke causes damage to the right hemisphere of the brain, the stroke survivor may be left with permanent difficulty expressing and processing language. This difficulty is called aphasia.
Aphasia affects one’s ability to:
- Speak and be understood
- Understand when others speak
- Read
- Write
- Use numbers
- Use non-verbal gestures
There are various degrees of aphasia. Aphasia can be very mild and affect only one aspect of language use, such as the ability to remember names of certain objects or the ability to read. Aphasia can also be so severe that it makes any communication impossible.
No two people experience aphasia the same way, but aphasia can be grouped into four main types:
- Non-fluent aphasia: The stroke survivor has a difficult time speaking, writing, or finding specific words.
- Fluent aphasia: The stroke survivor can speak fluently, but the words she uses may not make sense. The person may have difficulty understanding what others say.
- Anomic aphasia: The stroke survivor can speak and understand but is unable to find the specific words needed to express her thoughts. She may especially have difficulty with nouns and verbs.
- Global aphasia: The stroke survivor can produce very few recognizable words. She can understand little or no spoken language.
Aphasia can make it difficult to maintain relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. While family and friends are willing to make an effort to communicate, even moderate aphasia can make it impossible to do certain types of work. However, some people with aphasia are still able to work despite their limitations.
When aphasia prevents a person from working, Social Security disability benefits are an option. Unfortunately, difficulty in communication can make it hard to navigate the SSDI application process. Our Omaha disability attorneys can help.
The Nebraska SSDI lawyers at Cuddigan Law can assist you with every step of the process, from filling out your application, to gathering the medical records you need to support your claim. To get started, fill out the contact form in the side bar or call 402-933-5405.
