Language Disorder

About the Symptom

Struggles with communication, such as stuttering or forming sentences. Language impairment is linked to brain disorders, but can also occur with vocal cord problems.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Unable to speak or using incorrect words

Possible Causes

Generally, Language disorder can be related to:

• Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (AIDS-Related PML)

  Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a serious neurological disorder caused by the destruction of cells that produce myelin (protective layer around nerves) in the white matter of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is caused by the reactivation of the JC (John Cunningham) virus. Most adults have been exposed to this virus, and it usually doesn't cause any problems, but people with a weakened immune system are at higher risk for developing PML. PML is typically associated with patients who have HIV/AIDS, but it can also occur in patients without HIV who have a weakened immune system for other reasons.

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

  Multiple sclerosis (MS) disease in which the immune system attacks parts of the brain and spinal cord. The direct cause of MS remains unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified such as low vitamin D levels, tobacco smoking, exposure to UV radiation, childhood obesity, and infection with the virus that causes mononucleosis. The disease tends to affect young people more commonly as well as people living in higher latitudes. MS typically occurs in "attacks" which can include but are not limited to painful eye movements, blurry vision in one eye, numbness or weakness in hands or feet on one side, or double vision.

• Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy

  Cerebral Autosomal-Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) and Cerebral Autosomal-Recessive Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL) are hereditary conditions that damage small blood vessels in the brain. This causes decreased blood flow to the brain, resulting in tissue death, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy
• Subacute Cerebellar Degeneration

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Language disorder may be related to these serious diseases:

• Niemann-Pick Disease

  Niemann-Pick disease is a rare genetic disease that affects the body's ability to break down fat (cholesterol and lipids) within cells, causing these cells to malfunction and eventually die. The brain, nerves, liver, spleen, bone marrow, and, in severe cases, the lungs, can all be affected by Niemann-Pick disease.

• Wernicke Encephalopathy
• Cerebral Infarction
• Hepatic Encephalopathy
• Cerebral Hemorrhage

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Do you have difficulty speaking or unintentionally say words?
• How long have you been using strange or inappropriate words?
• Do others think you speak incoherently or act irrationally?
• Can you understand others but struggle to express yourself clearly?
• Have you lost the ability to read properly?

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