What Really Causes Aphasia?

7. Seizures

Not all seizures cause convulsions. Some affect specific areas of the brain, including the regions that handle language. These are called focal seizures, and when they hit the left side of the brain—especially in areas like Broca’s or Wernicke’s—they can disrupt your ability to speak or understand words.

You might suddenly stop talking mid-sentence or start using words that don’t make sense. Others might notice you look confused or unresponsive for a few seconds. In some cases, aphasia lasts only during the seizure itself. In others, it lingers for minutes, hours, or even longer, depending on how the brain recovers.