AIPGMEE 2015

Which of the following is the most common finding in aphasic patients?
A. Alexia
B. Anomia
C. Comprehension
D. Fluency
E. Repetition

When evaluating someone who reports difficulty
with language, it is important to assess speech in
several different domains, which are spontaneous speech,
comprehension, repetition, naming, reading, and writing.
Anomia refers to the inability to name common objects
and is the most common finding in patients with
aphasia. Indeed, anomia is present in all types of aphasia
except pure word deafness or pure alexia. Anomia can present in many fashions, including complete an inability
to name, provision of a related word (“pen” for “pencil”),
a description of the word (“a thing for writing”),
or the wrong word. Fluency is assessed by listening to
spontaneous speech. Fluency is decreased in Broca’s or
global aphasia but is relatively preserved in other forms
of aphasia. Comprehension is assessed by asking patients
to follow conversation and provide simple answers (yes/
no, pointing to appropriate objects). The most common
aphasia presenting with deficits of comprehension is Wernicke’s
aphasia in which fluent but nonsensical spontaneous
speech (word salad) is present. Repetition asks patients
to repeat a string of words, sentences, or a single word and
is impaired in many types of aphasia. In addition, repetition
of tongue twisters can be useful in the evaluation of
dysarthria or palilalia as well. Alexia refers to the inability
to read aloud or comprehend written language.