96105 Assessment of aphasia (includes assessment of expressive and receptive speech and language function, language comprehension, speech production ability, reading, spelling, writing, eg, by Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination) with interpretation and repor

Name of the Procedure:

Assessment of Aphasia (also known as Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination or BDAE)

Summary

The assessment of aphasia is a comprehensive evaluation to determine a person's language skills, including their ability to speak, understand speech, read, write, and spell. This test is crucial for identifying aphasia, a language disorder that affects communication abilities.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the assessment is to:

• Diagnose aphasia and its severity.
• Understand the specific language deficits the patient may have.
• Guide treatment and speech therapy plans.

Indications

• Difficulty in speaking (expressive speech).
• Trouble understanding spoken language (receptive speech).
• Problems with reading, writing, or spelling.
• Any patient exhibiting symptoms of aphasia typically due to a stroke, brain injury, or neurological condition.

Preparation

• No specific fasting or dietary restrictions.
• Patients should bring any assistive devices they normally use, like glasses or hearing aids.
• Inform the examiner of any medications or conditions that may affect the test.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Interview: The evaluator takes a detailed medical history and discusses language difficulties.
2. Formal Testing: The patient completes a series of tasks that assess various aspects of language, such as naming objects, constructing sentences, repeating phrases, and answering questions.
3. Additional Assessments: Depending on initial findings, more focused tests may be given for reading, spelling, and writing.
4. Interpretation and Report: The evaluator analyzes the results to identify patterns and areas of impairment, then writes a detailed report including recommendations for treatment.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the assessment needed.

Setting

The assessment is usually performed in an outpatient setting like a speech and language clinic, a neuropsychological testing center, or a hospital.

Personnel

• Speech-language pathologist (SLP) or neuropsychologist who specializes in language disorders.
• Occasionally, assistants or other healthcare providers may help with the procedure.

Risks and Complications

• There are minimal risks associated with the assessment itself.
• Patients may experience fatigue or frustration due to the challenging tasks.

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis and understanding of the specific type of aphasia.
• Creation of a tailored treatment plan to address language deficits.
• Improving overall communication abilities and quality of life.

Recovery

• No physical recovery needed.
• Patients may need rest after the assessment due to mental fatigue.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to commence speech therapy.

Alternatives

• Alternative tests like the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB).
• Non-standardized assessments and informal observations by a speech therapist.
• The pros of the BDAE include a comprehensive, standardized approach, while alternatives may offer different focus areas or shorter assessment times.

Patient Experience

During the procedure:

• Patients might feel tested on their language abilities, which can be stressful.
• Support and encouragement are provided by the examiner to maintain patient comfort.

After the procedure:

• Results and next steps are discussed in a follow-up meeting.
• Patients can continue daily activities immediately after the assessment.