Which neurological condition is most likely to cause expressive aphasia?

Expressive aphasia, characterized by difficulties in speech production while comprehension remains relatively intact, is most commonly associated with damage to specific areas of the brain that govern language function, particularly Broca's area located in the left frontal lobe.

Cerebrovascular accidents, or strokes, can lead to this type of aphasia when they affect the regions responsible for language processing. A stroke can disrupt blood flow to the brain, resulting in the death of neurons and subsequent loss of function in the areas associated with speech and language. This condition often occurs in individuals who experience a left hemisphere stroke, which is where Broca's area resides.

While traumatic brain injury can also cause a range of communication disorders, including expressive aphasia, its occurrence is generally more variable and context-dependent. Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease can impact communication abilities as well, but these conditions typically affect communication in more complex ways, often involving both expressive and receptive language challenges rather than isolating expressive aphasia as a primary symptom.

Thus, a cerebrovascular accident is the most direct cause of expressive aphasia due to its specific impact on the brain regions responsible for language production.