PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN APHASIA

This paper reviews the literature on prognostic factors related to recovery from aphasia. These can be regrouped under two headings: anagraphical and neurological factors. Age, sex and handedness are the anagraphical factors considered. Aetiology, site and extent of lesion, and severity and type of aphasia are the neurological ones. The effects of aphasia therapy are considered separately in more detail. Finally, the literature on patterns of recovery in groups of patients and in individual patients is reviewed. It is concluded that personal factors (age, sex, handedness) play a minor role in recovery from aphasia. Initial severity of aphasia and rehabilitation are the most important factors.