A 72-year-old African-American male is brought to your clinic by his daughter for a follow- up visit after his recent hospitalization. He had been admitted to the local hospital for speech problems and weakness in his right arm and leg. On admission his MRI showed a small stroke. The patient was in rehab for 1 month following his initial presentation. He is now walking with a walker and has good use of his arm. His daughter complains, however, that everyone is still having trouble communicating with the patient. You ask the patient how he thinks he is doing. Although it is hard for you to make out his words you believe his answer is "well . . . fine . . . doing . . . okay." His prior medical history involved high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. He is a widower and retired handyman. He has three children who are healthy. He denies tobacco, alcohol, or drug use. He has no other current symptoms. On examination he is in no acute distress but does seem embarrassed when it takes him so long to answer. His blood pressure is 150/90 and his other vital signs are normal. Other than his weak right arm and leg his physical examination is unremarkable. What disorder of speech does he have?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In Broca's aphasia patients articulate very slowly and with a great deal of effort. Nouns, verbs, and important adjectives are usually present and only small grammatical words are dropped from speech. Broca's area is on the lateral portion of the frontal lobes.

A 72-Year-Old African-American Male Is Brought to Your Clinic by His