The prognosis for language recovery varies depending on the size and nature of the lesion and the age and overall health of the patient. A left hemisphere glioblastoma may be associated with a very short life expectancy, whereas a minor stroke may have an excellent prognosis. It is the underlying pathology, not the aphasia itself that determines prognosis.
In general, patients with preserved receptive language functions are better candidates for rehabilitation than are those with impaired comprehension. The potential for functional recovery from primarily expressive aphasia (Broca’s aphasia) after a stroke is excellent, for recovery from a Wernicke-type aphasia due to a stroke is not as good as that for Broca’s aphasia.