Which statement best describes transcortical motor aphasia?

Transcortical motor aphasia is characterized primarily by difficulties in speech production while comprehension remains relatively intact. This condition is associated with damage to the areas of the brain associated with the initiation of speech, particularly areas located in the frontal lobe, while pathways that support auditory comprehension remain functional.

Individuals with transcortical motor aphasia may exhibit limited spontaneous speech and struggle to generate language, yet they can often understand spoken language and follow commands reasonably well. They may also have the ability to repeat phrases despite their production difficulties.

In contrast, the other options describe characteristics that do not align with transcortical motor aphasia. For instance, the inability to repeat phrases is more indicative of different forms of aphasia, such as conduction aphasia. Fluent speech filled with neologisms typically describes Wernicke's aphasia, where comprehension is significantly compromised. Automatic speech with significant comprehension does not encapsulate the core features of transcortical motor aphasia. Thus, the correct description aligns with the primary symptoms associated with this specific type of aphasia.