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Aphasia is a condition that impacts one's ability to communicate, whether that be producing and/or comprehending language. Aphasia can impact not only verbal language, but written too. Aphasia can impact different parts of the brain and thus comes in different forms: expressive, comprehensive, and global aphasia.

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The most common causes for aphasia include stoke and other brain damage caused by things like a traumatic head injury, infection, or a tumor. Aphasia can occur in temporary episodes that may be as a result of a seizure, migraine, or transient ischemic attack (TIA). A gradual degeneration of neurons in language networks can also contribute to aphasia in its primary progressive form.

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While the different forms of aphasia (expressive, comprehensive, and global) can have different symptoms, some of the most common aphasia symptoms include:

Speaking / writing sentences without logical meaning and/or sequencing

Not understanding written and/or verbal speech

Sentences that are short or incomplete

Such as "want apple" or "see bird"

Use words that are not recognizable in a given language

Substituting vocabulary

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While aphasia is generally not completely curable, its effects can be greatly limited. Through treatment, patients be able to supplement and/or rehabilitate their language skills. In some cases however, if brain damage causing the aphasia is mild symptoms may go away on their own over time. The most common treatment for aphasia is a form of speech / language therapy. This may be done in group settings, as this provides a safe environment for all patients to practice communication skills. In recent years, computer technology has also enhanced treatments for aphasia patients. Medications and brain stimulation treatments are an additional area of study for potential aphasia treatment. Furthermore, supplementary communication methods can be implemented for patients, such as the use of pictures, gestures, and/or external technological devices like voice output communication aids (VOCAs).

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Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is characterized by swinging mood states that switch between depression and mania. A manic episode is characterized by flight of ideas, euphoric mood, increased recklessness, grandiosity, irritability, and activity levels. On the other hand, depressed episodes are characterized by sad mood, fatigue, loss of interest in hobbies, slowing thinking and/or movement, and feelings of hopelessness and/or worthlessness. Different bipolar and related disorders include bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

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While there is not a single, exact known cause of bipolar disorder, it is thought to be somewhat hereditary in origin. Research has shown that those with a first degree relative with disorder are more likely to have this condition more so than others, thus supporting this idea. Differences in the physical structure of the brain have also been observed between those with and without bipolar disorder, however the significance and root of these changes is still unknown (and whether or not it could indicate a cause of the disorder down the line).

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The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary based on different episodes: manic, hypomania, and depressive.

Manic and hypomanic symptoms are very similar, mania just sees more severe versions of these. Common symptoms include:

Lower need for sleep

Flight of ideas

Extreme talkativeness

Euphoric mood

Easily distracted

Poorer decision making

Depressive symptoms are include:

Loss of interest / enjoyment in activities that one has previously found enjoyable

Fatigue, loss of energy

Insomnia or sleeping too much

Major weight loss or gain

From under or over eating

Feeling worthless and/or guilty

Suicidal thoughts or actions

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Following diagnosis, many people are treated through a form of psychotherapy and/or medication. While there are various different forms of psychotherapy that may be used for bipolar patients, common types include cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal & social rhythm therapy. Mood stabilizers are a bipolar specific treatment, but antipsychotics and/or antidepressants may also be used. Among the most frequently used mood stabilizers are lithium and Depakote. Lithium specifically has been shown to have an 80% effectiveness with preventing depression and manic episodes in bipolar patients. Among the most effective treatment plans are those that combine psychotherapy and medication, however all varies per individual patient.

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Meningitis is a condition where the meninges around the brain and spinal cord becomes inflamed. This condition comes in many forms, including viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and chronic. The most common form of meningitis within the United States is viral, however bacterial is the second most common and is life-threatening.

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There are many different types of meningitis that each have their own causes. The general cause is something invading the meninges or reaching the meninges through the bloodstream. Coming in contact with certain fungal spores and a tapeworm infection cause fungal and parasitic meningitis respectively. Enteroviruses most commonly cause viral meningitis, although other viruses such as West Nile or HIV can also. There are various different bacteria that can cause the many different forms of bacterial meningitis. Chronic meningitis is caused by slow growing organisms invading the meninges. Lastly, meningitis can potentially occur from noninfectious causes. These include from chemical reactions and some cancers.

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Meningitis symptoms vary between children 0-2 years of age and those older. It is possible for anyone of any age, however, to get and exhibit symptoms for this condition. For children two years or younger, poor feeding behaviors, bulging fontanels, fever, increased irritability, sleepiness, and/or vomiting are all symptoms. In those older than two, common symptoms include a high fever, stiff neck, confusion, increased irritability, drowsiness, sever headaches, and in some cases a skin rash. There is a lot of overlap in symptoms between these two age brackets and another one of the most concerning symptoms is the seizure risk.

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Since bacterial meningitis is life-threatening, there are various different vaccines available to prevent it. Most treatments for the condition involves antibiotics, however steroids may be used to reduce swelling. Additional fluids may be needed and for serious cases, oxygen from a face mask may be used.

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One becomes more at risk for more severe damages and even death from meningitis as age increases. The prognosis for the condition varies, a lack of treatment can greatly increase the risk of death. According to Cleveland Clinic, there is still a 10% death rate for those with bacterial meningitis, but most people recover if treated.

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The course of bipolar disorder can greatly vary per individual patient and treatment can have major impacts. There is no single cure for the condition and it requires lifelong treatment. The frequency of manic and depressive episodes tends to increase as people age without treatment. For those who do get proper treatment, their symptoms can greatly diminish and/or eliminated all together in the long-term. Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed when one is in their late teenage years or early twenties. While notable symptoms can appear earlier, they can be easily dismissed as having a cause not linked to bipolar disorder.

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While aphasia can have lifelong effects and impacts, it is not a deadly condition and symptoms can be greatly minimized or even not experienced entirely with proper treatment. Due to the brain's neuroplasticity, the brain is capable of rewiring itself to help language functions improve again, which is what makes this condition one that can have limited long-term effects. Aphasia can effect anyone of any age and does not have a set / standard age of diagnosis or age in which symptoms appear like other disorders.