Dysphasia

Dysphasia (or aphasia) is the medical term for difficulty in finding the right words or forming sentences. In multiple sclerosis this is caused by disruptions in the parts of the brain that control your thought, short-term memory, verbal fluency or attention. The symptom in MS is usually about recalling the correct words when they are needed at a particular moment rather than the permanent loss of knowledge.

A speech and language therapist can sometimes help find ways to manage the problems this symptom may cause. In our Staying Smart section, we have tips on how to improve and manage problems with language recall and dysphasia.