What Really Causes Aphasia?

3. Brain Tumors

A tumor in the brain doesn’t need to be large to disrupt your ability to communicate. If it forms near areas that control language—like Broca’s or Wernicke’s area—it can interfere with how you speak, understand others, or even read and write.

You might find yourself searching for words more often, mixing them up, or struggling to follow conversations that once felt easy. These changes can come on slowly, which is why they’re sometimes mistaken for stress or aging at first.

If you’re noticing a pattern, it’s worth paying attention. Language issues tied to tumors usually don’t go away on their own.