Neuroimaging and recovery of language in aphasia

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2008 Nov;8(6):475-83. doi: 10.1007/s11910-008-0076-0.

Abstract

The use of functional neuroimaging techniques has advanced what is known about the neural mechanisms used to support language processing in aphasia resulting from brain damage. This paper highlights recent findings derived from neuroimaging studies focused on neuroplasticity of language networks, the role of the left and right hemispheres in this process, and studies examining how treatment affects the neurobiology of recovery. We point out variability across studies as well as factors related to this variability, and we emphasize challenges that remain for research.

MeSH terms

  • Aphasia* / physiopathology
  • Aphasia* / rehabilitation
  • Brain* / pathology
  • Brain* / physiology
  • Brain* / physiopathology
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Language*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Magnetoencephalography*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Stroke / pathology
  • Stroke / physiopathology