Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

Cognitive dysphasia

May 31, 2016 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Dear Doctor,
First some information (even if it's uncomfortable for me).
In March, I attempted suicide and then went into a coma (I was found approximately 20-24 hours later) and then into an induced coma. I must say that I was lying on the floor gurgling and would have almost choked on my own vomit.
In the MRI and CT scans, no hypoxia was found, I was told. But now I have read that not all cell malfunctions can be seen in MRI and CT scans.
I have been experiencing all the symptoms of cognitive dysphasia for 2 months. Some tests have already been done and they showed mild impairments in certain areas.
Now my question is: Can cognitive dysphasia also be psychologically caused, or does it mean that I was hypoxic and it just couldn't be seen in the MRI and CT scans? I currently do not have depression, but rather feel like I have no feelings at all, not even negative ones. Before the suicide attempt, I had severe depression for 3 months.
Thank you very much for your response!

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good evening,

Numbness ("vibration incapacity") can also be a sign of depression; you should definitely discuss this with your doctor. Dysphasia can also have psychological causes, but I don't consider it very likely. Of course, not every hypoxic damage can be detected in an MRI or CT scan. However, it is entirely possible that other cells can take over the work of the damaged ones through practice. Therefore, you can be optimistic that everything will soon improve. I wish you all the best!

Warm regards, Dr. Höllering