Diagnosis and differential diagnosis flow diagram of Chinese post‐stroke aphasia types and treatment of post‐stroke aphasia

Abstract

Abstract This review aimed to explore the concept, etiology, classification, classical cortical mapping, assessment, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, mechanism, recovery, prognosis, and influencing factors for Chinese post‐stroke aphasia (PSA). The review emphasized the necessity and significance of neuroimaging assessment of brain and blood vessels and neuropsychological assessment in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Chinese PSA. In addition, it suggested and recommended to use “dichotomies of internal and external, and anterior and posterior” as a starting point, based on the anatomic location of brain and blood vessels and their relationship with language area and language disorder. As a result, the formulated Chinese PSA classification was more suitable to guide the clinical treatment of cerebral stroke. Diagnosis, classification, and differential diagnosis of Chinese PSA types were performed according to the “dichotomy” and “four elements.” The formulated “flow diagram” enabled to determine the classification of Chinese PSA types. It was beneficial for patients to establish targeted and individualized rehabilitation training plans. This review introduced the use of memantine, piracetam, donepezil, etc. in PSA treatment, evaluated clinical studies conducted in China and abroad, investigated the mechanism of action related to the use of drugs in PSA treatment, and explored the therapeutic mechanism of rehabilitation training. It suggested the use drugs of memantine, piracetam, donepezil, etc. combine with non‐pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation training in clinical studies on PSA treatment and also in practical settings.

Keywords

• Chinese PSA types
• dichotomy
• differential diagnosis flow diagram
• four elements
• post‐stroke aphasia
• treatment