Alexia is a medical term referring to a condition characterized by a severe impairment or loss of the ability to read, often resulting from an acquired brain injury, typically in the left hemisphere. It is also known as acquired dyslexia or word blindness. Individuals with alexia have difficulty comprehending written words, sentences, or even single letters, despite adequate visual acuity and intact primary sensory functions. This condition is distinct from dyslexia, which refers to a lifelong developmental difficulty in reading.
Alexia can manifest in various forms, including pure alexia and alexia with agraphia. Pure alexia, also known as letter-by-letter reading, is the inability to read whole words, resulting in a laborious and time-consuming reading process where each letter is individually recognized. Alexia with agraphia involves difficulties in both reading and writing. A person may be able to recognize letters but struggle to associate them with their corresponding sounds or meanings.
Alexia may result from lesions or damage to regions responsible for language processing and comprehension, such as the angular gyrus or the left occipital lobe. Causes of alexia can vary, including strokes, head traumas, tumors, or neurodegenerative diseases. Treatment modalities for alexia typically focus on compensatory strategies, such as using assistive technologies, learning to read through alternative channels (e.g., auditory or tactile cues), or engaging in reading rehabilitation programs.
Understanding alexia is essential in providing appropriate support, education, and interventions for individuals who experience significant reading difficulties due to acquired brain injuries.
