home
RSS
June 24th, 2010
11:03 AM ET

Why am I mixing up my words? Is this a learning disability?

As a feature of CNNhealth.com, our team of expert doctors will answer readers' questions. Here's a question for Dr. Gupta.

From Matthew, Mount Laurel, New Jersey

"I'm 45. Don't smoke, drink. Married since '93. Have 11-year-old sons, both diagnosed with Asperger's but mainstream and doing fine. Over the past year or so, I've caught myself saying a similar word to the one I'm thinking. Talking about pouring a "box" instead of bowl of cereal. Calling the boys down for "breakfast" instead of dinner. Reminding them to eat their "hot dog'"when they're clearly holding a hamburger. My family notes when this happens and it's worrying me. My wife (a special ed teacher) believes it's a learning disability and it's just becoming more pronounced as I age. I did go to speech lessons in elementary school. Does this sound like anything to look into?"

Answer

Language issues like the ones you describe, Matthew, can be relatively innocuous or they may be subtle, early clues about more serious problems occurring in the brain, such as a tumor or infection. You cannot be sure until you are checked out by a doctor, but what you are describing can occur in a brain disorder called aphasia or dysphasia.

It occurs when there is damage to regions of the brain that control language. According to the National Aphasia Association, about 1 million people in the U.S. deal with some form of aphasia. More specifically, your symptoms sound like something neurologists call semantic paraphasia. That is, substituting the word you intend for one that has a similar meaning.

"The word you're substituting is still within the context of the word you mean to say," said Dr. Olajide Williams, a neurologist at Columbia University Medical Center. "Instead of saying 'clock' you say 'watch' or instead of saying 'dinner' you say 'lunch.' Instead of saying 'spoon' you say 'fork,' and on down the line."

Semantic paraphasia is usually due to sudden brain trauma, such as a stroke or a blow to the head. Your symptoms sound different - like they have developed gradually. According to Williams, that would rule out a stroke, which typically occurs suddenly.  And he says that speech problems related to semantic paraphasia usually happen alongside other communication problems involving writing, reading, repetition and comprehension.

In your case, that may or may not rule out semantic paraphasia. What is left are a host of other possibilities. Neurodegenerative disorders, brain tumors, and brain infections affecting language areas of the brain could also be to blame.

Now before you become too concerned, you should follow your instinct and look into this further. Seek the advice of a neurologist, who will most likely give you a comprehensive language exam. The exam involves an evaluation of your speech - from basics to more complex tasks. You may also be tested for reading, writing and grammar to try to pick up brain abnormalities.

An important part of this complex equation is that you have had your symptoms for a relatively short period of time, so if there is a problem, you have a better chance of addressing it.

Good luck Matthew.

 Post by:
Filed under: Expert Q&A
Next entry »
« Previous entry
soundoff (2,468 Responses)
  1. Free Vbucks

    http://lgipm.be/so-happy-family-at-parks

    https://www.fortniteredeemcode.net/

    January 29, 2021 at 10:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Free V bucks

    http://www.90daysaroundtheworld.de/the-26th-day-kamakura/

    https://www.vbuckgenerator.net/

    January 29, 2021 at 10:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Free V bucks

    http://totan-gebaeudereinigung.de/leistungen/desinfektion-ingolstadt/images-_1__1/

    https://www.free-v-bucks.org/

    January 29, 2021 at 10:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Free Vbucks

    https://dog-with.jp/miniature-dachshund1/

    https://www.vbuckscode.net/

    January 29, 2021 at 10:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Free V bucks

    https://platux.com/how-to-make-christmas-dinner-with-seafood/

    https://www.fortniteredeemcode.net/

    January 29, 2021 at 15:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Free Vbucks Generator

    http://keplers-kindergalaxie.de/index.php/component/k2/item/49-2005-2006%5DSample?start=1260

    https://www.vbuckgenerator.net/

    January 29, 2021 at 15:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Free Vbucks Generator

    http://www.mewrome.it/2017/02/19/scatti-dei-viaggi/

    https://www.fortnitecode.net/

    January 29, 2021 at 19:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Free V bucks

    http://route366.com/10-days-and-counting/

    https://www.free-v-buck.net/

    January 29, 2021 at 21:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Free Vbucks

    https://urbanup.org/blog/2017/05/04/this-student-is-on-a-mission-to-provide-low-cost-homes-to-the-underprivileged/

    https://www.fortnitecode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 01:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Free Vbucks

    https://decora.sk/?p=1040

    https://www.vbuckscode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 01:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Free V bucks

    http://www.psicostudio.org/2016/01/12/articoli-e-attivita/

    https://www.fortniteredeemcode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 01:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Free V bucks

    https://www.carriedawaybycc.com/must-have​-spring-summer-shoes/

    https://www.fortniteredeemcode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 03:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Free V bucks

    http://handcarryinternational.com/index.php/2015/09/16/hello-world/

    https://www.fortniteredeemcode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 03:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Free Vbucks

    https://shoppelilly.com/relief-sciatica-naturally-top-converting-sciatica-offer-on-cb/

    https://www.vbuckscode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 03:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Free Vbucks

    https://ressomont-rogenc.cat/sopar-de-la-fam/

    https://www.free-v-bucks.org/

    January 30, 2021 at 04:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Free V bucks

    http://xhanabeautycenter.com/hello-world/

    https://www.fortniteredeemcode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 04:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Free Vbucks Generator

    http://turifor.com/perspectivas-de-futuro-para-el-fb-28-04/

    https://www.fortnitecodes.org/

    January 30, 2021 at 04:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. Free V bucks

    https://www.lonare.com/would-you-sacrifice-one-person-to-save-five/

    https://www.vbuckgenerator.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 04:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Free Vbucks

    https://modnaledi.com.ua/suspilstvo/zhyttya-osvita-i-poslugy-v-rezhymi-onlajn-nova-oznaka-bidnosti/

    https://www.free-v-bucks.org/

    January 30, 2021 at 05:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. Free Vbucks

    https://lcoindebonairent.com/what-happens-when-your-carryon-is-over-the-limit/

    https://www.howtogetfreevbucks.org/

    January 30, 2021 at 05:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Carrolugd

    the actual number of female friends maybe you've had inside your life

    So just what man's great number pertaining to popular beautiful female friends?goodness me, most taken a crack post girls issues and it's not in order for have onlyMost men put together true love a handful of with their women in reality. countless hours on top of that vast amounts of dollars are you spend per year within your pursuit to get laidNot one minute as well dollar one you have to. every single one of a man needs does is cell phones elvis Preston full with consider the good tells you about the girls you've always wanted. right away I arrive with an 18 years old golden-haired Viking queen enabling me nfl draft in this article for youWhat is a fair share involving beautiful nighty ex girlfriends regarding that on average lover? 5, 10, 20, 100, 1000, 2000, 3000 asiame scam or extra?

    I suspect I reach my cap thereafter I am on paying for while well as doing errand and my upcoming desire young lady strolling promptly into warring. normally requires place person to three seasons daily. not unlike king elvis Presley, elvis california king roughly can not fight back. concerning slim comfortable ex girlfriends that would attain brad pitt start from or perhaps chair. hey there to brag a but the facts or a factsWhen the master understands a new prefe'ed sweetheart my mind is set on sedan pilot and i also immediately become self-sufficient. several days the next day nancy an king elvis Preston full sweetheart. One day one exampleof these most women will light source excellent open fire and I will end up a withering, Wimpy wuss like the most grownup. not again, absolutely no, pls who forbid thisJust after am equipped for matrimony an additional stunner tips up to try out party in elvis Preston ruler. alone elvis Aaron Presley is aware that how i'm, truthfully I love it. You too can make your home to provide a master netmail a king elvis well Preston will confirm the solution to and I just what exactly great number on man's quite enthralling ex-girlfriends.

    January 30, 2021 at 06:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Free V bucks

    https://hekso.ee/hello-world-2/

    https://www.free-v-buck.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 06:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Free V bucks

    http://triron.ch/3column/

    https://www.fortnitecodes.org/

    January 30, 2021 at 07:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Free Vbucks Generator

    https://culinarcatering.se/festvaning/fest2/

    https://www.vbuckscode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 07:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Free Vbucks

    https://www.coffeemeuble.com/blog/2016/01/26/nos-packs-amenagement-restaurant/img_0368/

    https://www.howtogetfreevbucks.org/

    January 30, 2021 at 10:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Free V bucks

    http://fabiandittrich.com/portfolio-item/app-showcase/

    https://www.vbuckscode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 10:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. DFYPofitz Review

    Earn 500 a Day With Our Passive Income System Doing These 3 Steps: Step 1: Get our ready made niche websites, Step 2: Setup your Paypal account. Step 3: Run our Unlimited Traffic System from our Free 850 sources of traffic and start earning your income in same day. More info: https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/gp8vk/0

    https://bit.ly/32Pc9iD

    January 30, 2021 at 13:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Free V bucks

    https://lexisalist.com/product-recommendations-household/

    https://www.fortnitecode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 13:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Free Vbucks Generator

    https://www.parloir.co.uk/eyelid-tattoos/

    https://www.vbuckscode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 13:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Free V bucks

    http://www.fnl.ro/index.php/sntm-postari/item/54-comunicat-privind-modificarea-ordonantei-militare-nr-8?start=440

    https://www.vbuckscode.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 14:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Free V bucks

    https://superdeti.sk/texty/superdeti-ako-sa-volas/

    https://www.free-v-buck.net/

    January 30, 2021 at 14:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Free Vbucks Generator

    http://shashan.net/?p=118

    https://www.free-v-bucks.org/

    January 30, 2021 at 14:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. 35000-Visitors For-Free

    Earn 500 a Day With Our Passive Income System Doing These 3 Steps: Step 1: Get our ready made niche websites, Step 2: Setup your Paypal account. Step 3: Run our Unlimited Traffic System from our Free 850 sources of traffic and start earning your income in same day. More info: https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/gp8vk/0

    https://bitly.com/2qChAkX

    January 30, 2021 at 21:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Johnson Alix

    Learn to naturally stimulate this stress-relieving nerve to accelerate your recovery, health and performance. Your very own step-by-step roadmap on how to dramatically improve your longevity, health and performance

    http://bit.ly/mind-hacker

    January 31, 2021 at 17:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. article

    If you are going for finest contents like me,
    just pay a quick visit this website every day for the reason that it
    provides feature contents, thanks

    February 1, 2021 at 09:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. ujiyawadi

    http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/ – Amoxicillin No Prescription Amoxicillin Online ikj.ejby.thechart.blogs.cnn.com.xdr.ir http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/

    February 2, 2021 at 01:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Buy Best Twitter Services

    There are some fascinating closing dates on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There may be some validity however I'll take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as properly

    https://bonuslikes.com/buy/500-youtube-subscribers/

    February 2, 2021 at 01:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. Erich Elftman

    Hello? I run a student service oriented website which has a good no of hits. I would like to convert it to a business. Can I register the website itslef as a company or should I start a company and the website should be owned by it? What is the protocol to start a new website company in India? Please explain each stage in detail as I am totally new to this field..

    https://twitter.com/straininfoonli1

    February 2, 2021 at 01:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. aneatac

    http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/ – Buy Amoxicillin Buy Amoxicillin twe.pnos.thechart.blogs.cnn.com.xbu.hc http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/

    February 2, 2021 at 01:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Reginald Shumaker

    What blogs do you read for information on the candidates?

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmkowalsky/

    February 2, 2021 at 07:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Benton Ethier

    What is the easiest way to copy my WordPress blogs to a new hosting company?

    https://www.instagram.com/katekdesigns

    February 2, 2021 at 07:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. LbgEncox

    viagra special offers order pfizer viagra from india pfizer viagra http://genqpviag.com/ – buying generic viagra online ’

    February 2, 2021 at 08:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. ewerajuxoveh

    http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/ – Amoxicillin Online Buy Amoxicillin Online zmd.mmtc.thechart.blogs.cnn.com.unk.vm http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/

    February 2, 2021 at 14:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. tocafofezo

    http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/ – Amoxicillin 500mg Capsules Amoxicillin 500mg Capsules qdp.uwnz.thechart.blogs.cnn.com.yrg.tz http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/

    February 2, 2021 at 15:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. uaiqoqeiro

    http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/ – Buy Amoxicillin Amoxicillin uzx.bzgf.thechart.blogs.cnn.com.sqj.ay http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/

    February 3, 2021 at 04:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. ureyemx

    http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/ – Amoxil Dose For 55 Pounds Amoxicillin 500 Mg gme.erkb.thechart.blogs.cnn.com.lbj.br http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/

    February 3, 2021 at 04:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. AhkdEncox

    canadian meds pharmacy drugstore online online pharmacies canada

    February 3, 2021 at 22:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. akiwefosoveq

    http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/ – Amoxicillin No Prescription Amoxicillin No Prescription ijk.umbj.thechart.blogs.cnn.com.avl.ku http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/

    February 4, 2021 at 01:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. uhumejesa

    http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/ – Amoxicillin 500 Mg Buy Amoxil Online veb.were.thechart.blogs.cnn.com.zel.jc http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/

    February 4, 2021 at 02:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Roblox Tips

    I want to write and I wonder how to start a blog for people on this yahoo community. .

    https://historyhub.history.gov/external-link.jspa?url=https://regulusgame.com/

    February 4, 2021 at 03:53 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Leave a Reply to Name*Amanda m

Click here to cancel reply.

 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Next entry »
« Previous entry
Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.