Diagnostic and therapy of acute aphasia

Acute aphasia has been investigated only rarely and is often described as fluctuating in symptoms and not specifically treatable. First, this paper introduces a new test for the acute phase of aphasia (Bielefeld Aphasia Screening BiAS, 2006). We will give short information on the six subtests and their application, as well as on data of it’s objectivity, reliability and validity. The second part will present a therapy evaluation study, testing 35 patients being treated in the first six weeks following stroke, compared to 12 patients without treatment. Relevant variables of therapy success are discussed.