What Causes Wernicke's Aphasia?

Certain Infections

Certain infections that affect the brain can trigger Wernicke's aphasia. Some infections, such as rabies or herpes, will infect the tissue of the brain, causing a temporary or permanent disruption in neural activity. If the Wernicke’s area is involved in the infection, some level of aphasia will be the result. Other infections such as the West Nile virus cause encephalitis, which is inflammation and swelling of the brain. The pressure caused by this condition can lead to a disruption of several neurological functions. In the case of encephalitis, the aphasia will often be preceded or accompanied by fever and headache. If the swelling is addressed and pressure in the skull cavity relieved, the symptoms of Wernicke’s aphasia will be temporary, becoming less noticeable as the pressure subsides.

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Suffering A Stroke

Suffering a stroke is the most common cause of Wernicke’s aphasia. Many stroke victims will have trouble with communication in addition to other physiological problems. The most common condition for a stroke to cause aphasia is when a clot makes it way to the left middle cerebral artery, which provides the blood supply to the Wernicke’s area. The clot prevents oxygen from reaching the neurons in this area, and they begin to die. The severity of the aphasia is dependent on how quickly the stroke is addressed. Patients who suffer a minor stroke may have a full recovery with some speech therapy. Although some neurons have died, new connections will be made over time. However, a major stroke will leave patients with permanent aphasia.

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