Which term describes the inability to use or understand language due to brain damage?

Aphasia refers specifically to the impairment of language processing, which can affect both the understanding and production of speech. This condition often results from damage to the areas of the brain responsible for language, such as Broca's area or Wernicke's area. Individuals with aphasia may struggle to articulate thoughts, form coherent sentences, comprehend spoken language, or find the right words to communicate effectively.

In contrast, apraxia involves difficulty with the motor planning needed for speech, not necessarily related to understanding language itself. Hemiplegia relates to paralysis on one side of the body and does not directly involve language capabilities. Spina bifida is a congenital condition affecting the spine and nerves, which may lead to physical disabilities, but it is not connected to language impairments. Thus, aphasia is the term that captures the specific challenge of using or understanding language due to brain damage.