• A M O Bakheit, S Shaw, S Carrington, and S Griffiths.
• Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth, UK. magid.bakheit@pcs-tr.swest.nhs.uk
• Clin Rehabil. 2007 Oct 1; 21 (10): 941-9.

ObjectiveTo examine the rate and extent of improvement from the different types of aphasia in the first year after stroke.DesignA prospective longitudinal study.SettingA specialist stroke unit.ParticipantsSeventy-five aphasic patients with first-ever stroke.InterventionThe type of aphasia was classified according to the criteria of the Western Aphasia Battery. The Western Aphasia Battery aphasia quotient was used to measure the initial severity and the rate and extent of improvement from aphasia. Assessments were made at baseline and 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks later.ResultsThe median percentage increase in the Western Aphasia Battery aphasia quotient was statistically higher in patients with Broca's aphasia than in the other groups at all weeks. Patients with Wernicke's aphasia had a significantly greater median percentage increase in their aphasia quotient than those with conduction and anomic aphasia at weeks 12 and 24, but less than patients with global aphasia at week 24.ConclusionsPatients with Broca's aphasia appear to have the best prognosis for improvement of language function in the first year of stroke. The extent of improvement in patients with global aphasia is better than that of patients with Wernicke's aphasia.

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