Editing Expressive aphasia (section)

==Diagnosis==
Expressive aphasia is classified as non-fluent aphasia, as opposed to fluent aphasia.<ref name="ASHA_aphasia_classifications" /> Diagnosis is done on a case-by-case basis, as [[lesions]] often affect the surrounding [[Cerebral cortex|cortex]] and deficits are highly variable among patients with aphasia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aphasia.org/aphasia-faqs/|title=Aphasia FAQ's|website=National Aphasia Association|date=November 7, 2017}}</ref>

A physician is typically the first person to recognize aphasia in a patient who is being treated for damage to the brain. Routine processes for determining the presence and location of lesion in the brain include [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) and [[CT scan|computed tomography]] (CT) scans. The physician will complete a brief assessment of the patient's ability to understand and produce language. For further diagnostic testing, the physician will refer the patient to a speech-language pathologist, who will complete a comprehensive evaluation.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/aphasia|title=Aphasia|website=National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders|date=March 6, 2017|access-date=2024-02-21}}</ref>

In order to diagnose a patient with Broca's aphasia, there are certain commonly used tests and procedures. The [[Western Aphasia Battery]] (WAB) classifies individuals based on their scores on the subtests; spontaneous speech, auditory comprehension, repetition, and naming.<ref name=":1" /> The [[Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination]] (BDAE) can inform users what specific type of aphasia they may have, infer the location of lesion, and assess current language abilities. The Porch Index of Communication Ability (PICA) can predict potential recovery outcomes of the patients with aphasia. [[Quality of life (healthcare)|Quality of life]] measurement is also an important assessment tool.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.csuchico.edu/~pmccaffrey/syllabi/SPPA336/336unit9.html|title=The Diagnosis of Aphasia|last=McCaffrey|first=Patrick|date=1999|website=The Neuroscience on the Web Series|publisher=California State University, Chico|access-date=2017-11-08|archive-date=2007-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615055430/https://www.csuchico.edu/~pmccaffrey/syllabi/SPPA336/336unit9.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tests such as the Assessment for Living with Aphasia (ALA) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) allow for therapists to target skills that are important and meaningful for the individual.<ref name=":1" />

In addition to formal assessments, patient and family interviews are valid and important sources of information. The patient's previous hobbies, interests, personality, and occupation are all factors that will not only impact therapy but may motivate them throughout the recovery process.<ref name=":2" /> Patient interviews and observations allow professionals to learn the priorities of the patient and family and determine what the patient hopes to regain in therapy. Observations of the patient may also be beneficial to determine where to begin treatment. The current behaviors and interactions of the patient will provide the therapist with more insight about the client and their individual needs.<ref name=":1" /> Other information about the patient can be retrieved from medical records, patient referrals from physicians, and the nursing staff.<ref name=":2" />

In non-speaking patients who use manual languages, diagnosis is often based on interviews from the patient's acquaintances, noting the differences in sign production pre- and post-damage to the brain.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Many of these patients will also begin to rely on non-linguistic gestures to communicate, rather than signing since their language production is hindered.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hogrefe |first1=Katharina |last2=Ziegler |first2=Wolfram |last3=Wiesmayer |first3=Susanne |last4=Weidinger |first4=Nicole |last5=Goldenberg |first5=Georg |date=2013-09-01 |title=The actual and potential use of gestures for communication in aphasia |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/02687038.2013.803515 |journal=Aphasiology |volume=27 |issue=9 |pages=1070–1089 |doi=10.1080/02687038.2013.803515 |s2cid=145152352 |issn=0268-7038}}</ref>