Aphasia refers to which impairment?

• A. Loss of Gag reflex (inability to swallow)
• B. Inability to Speak
• C. Difficulty swallowing
• D. Nasal congestion

Answer: (B)

Aphasia is a language impairment caused by brain injury that affects a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write. Because it directly involves language skills, the description that best fits is the inability to speak. The other options describe issues not related to language: loss of the gag reflex relates to swallowing safety and brainstem/nerve function; difficulty swallowing is called dysphagia; nasal congestion is an airway issue. People with aphasia may still be able to swallow and breathe normally, even if they can’t express themselves verbally.