Speaking of Aphasia...

Aphasia Speaks

A 34-year-old physical therapist, Kristen, who suffered a stroke in 2008 relates her journey and rebuilds her life with Aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder that affects the language center of the brain and is caused by stroke, brain surgery or other traumatic brain injuries. Kristen's positive attitude has taken her down a new path for helping others. With the help of further intense speech therapy Kristen hopes to inspire other with Aphasia.

Kristen's stroke has likely affected her left frontal lobe. She has speech output problems but speaks fluently enough to not be characterized with a classic Broca's aphasia. She has some motor weakness on the right (contralateral) side of her body, but with adaptive technology is able to drive. She continues to go to physical therapy and has a positive outlook and an active life.

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN), a professional organization for neurologists, is hosting the 2012 Neuro Film Festival at their Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The contest YouTube channel features 105 entries. Videos cover well-known neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and dementia. Other entries feature lesser-known disorders including multiple system atrophy, Batten disease, and arachnoid cysts. Public voting will close on March 8, 2012.