VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

Aphasia is a language disorder resulting from brain damage — most often from a left-hemisphere stroke — that impairs communication. This can range from mild word-finding difficulty to a complete inability to speak, understand, read or write. Cognitive abilities in other areas remain relatively well preserved. 

While individuals with aphasia typically experience significant physiological recovery in the first six months after onset, many continue to have significant long-term communication problems.

Aphasia can affect psychosocial adjustment, the ability to function independently in society and vocational opportunities.

Speech-Language Pathologist Jim Schumacher
works with a veteran during a
PIRATE therapy session.