The term “alexia” means an acquired reading disorder that interferes with normal understanding, comprehension or production of the written language.
How is it different from “Dyslexia” ?
Though the word “dyslexia” is also very similar, dyslexia mostly refers to a spectrum of disorders seen in people who fail to develop customary reading skills in childhood itself.
What is the pathology behind alexia ?
Precise regions in both cerebral hemispheres are concerned in carrying out the interdependent processes needed for effortless text reading (these include good visual acuity, both letter and word recognition, the central language processing, a directed visuo-spatial attention as well as oculomotor control). Any disease process affecting oculomotor control will impinge on reading ability, most probably.
What are the types of alexia ?
1) The syndrome is a part of a more generalised language disorder (alexia in the context of aphasia; alexia with agraphia; ‘central’ alexia)
2) The syndrome occurs in an isolated form (alexia without agraphia; ‘peripheral’ alexia).
What are the symptoms of alexia ?
Pure or peripheral alexia is characterised by slow and inaccurate reading or by a reading “letter-by- letter” strategy. Central Alexia which is part of a general language disorder characterized by language errors as well as reading disabilities.
How is alexia diagnosed ?
The general neurological examination may provide clues as to the lesion site and thus the type of alexia that may be expected. If a patient has aphasia (language disorders) then it is key to examine speech output, spontaneous speech (by asking open questions), automatic speech (by counting weekdays) and checking repetition (single words and sentences), prior to testing reading. If there is only an isolated reading disorder, then writing also needs to be tested (both spontaneous and to dictation).
What you need to do if you think you have alexia ?
The first step in following up on symptoms is contacting your regular primary care physician. In many cases, the doctor refers the patient to specialists such as a neurologist who specializes in diseases of the brain and nervous system.
What is the treatment of alexia ?
There are no generally agreed specific therapies for either the central or peripheral alexias, although there are successful behavioural interventions. In certain alexias, where the neural representations of written word forms have been spared, the emphasis is retraining the oculomotor system to improve reading scan paths.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
