Causes And Symptoms Of Alexia

We are all aware of brain disorders and its rapid inclination affecting our modern world. There are many familiar and common conditions such as depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. However, this article will focus on a less-known condition called Alexia.. It is a rare brain disorder that usually impacts how people read. Let us explore this mysterious condition, including its causes, symptoms and the challenges faced by those who live with it.

What is Alexia?

Alexia, also known as word blindness, is a condition where an individual loses the ability to read printed words as a result of cerebral lesion. It is a deeply challenging neurological condition in which specific areas of the brain, which are involved in processing written language, sustain damage¹. Losing the ability to read means being suddenly cut off from an essential form of communication and understanding. The brain’s incredible ability to interpret and make sense of text is disrupted here, forcing the person to cope with this confusing change.

Causes of Alexia

Brain damage is the major cause of Alexia which includes:

Stroke

Stroke is the most common cause of Alexia which particularly affects the left hemisphere of the brain. This, as a result, disrupts the blood flow and damages areas which are responsible for processing written words and language.

Brain tumours

Tumors located in the left hemisphere of the brain are more likely to cause Alexia. These can also put pressure on adjacent brain tissue, leading to impaired function. Some other effects of tumour includes:

• Damaging neurons and their pathways that are critical in reading
• Infiltration of brain tissue subsequently damages neurons in the occipital lobe,² which process visual information.

Infections

There are certain infections which cause inflammation of the brain. This, as a result, causes damage to brain cells by increasing intracranial pressure, and impaired blood flow. Thus, affecting the brain’s ability to process written language. The common conditions include- Encephalitis and Meningitis. The infections can be diagnosed by Neuroimaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Sometimes, head injuries can damage parts of the brain which are involved in reading and interpreting written words. This includes road accidents, falls or violent impacts that can lead to this type of injury. The areas which are generally impacted by TBI include frontal lobes, temporal lobes, and parietal lobes.

Neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive conditions characterized by the gradual degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These conditions can damage the brain over time, leading to Alexia and thus can impair the ability to process written language over time³.

Surgical complications

There are some instances where during the treatment of a tumor, the surgical procedures can inadvertently damage adjacent brain tissue which is critical for language processing. This can also trigger inflammatory responses in surrounding brain tissue and interfere with neural function causing alexia.

Symptoms of Alexia

Symptoms of Alexia can vary in severity and presentation but commonly include difficulty in recognizing written words and language. Other symptoms include:

• Slow and laborious reading
• Semantic errors
• Words substitution⁴
• Frustration and anxiety related to reading tasks
• Social and occupational challenges due to reading impairment
• Letter-by-letter reading
• Feeling left out
• Mixed up words

Alexia can make an individual feel like they are isolated from everyone. This makes them frustrated and confused at times. These symptoms can cover a wide range of difficulties that make reading and understanding words tricky. They often mix up words or use the wrong ones. This can make them feel anxious or worried about reading tasks. 

Diagnosis and treatment

Now that we have discussed the causes and symptoms of Alexia, let us explore more about how it can be diagnosed and confirmed by healthcare professionals. This involves a comprehensive process of assessment by gathering information about an individual’s medical history and symptoms. Following this, close attention to any changes in reading ability and associated cognitive function is noticed. To confirm this, a series of specialized tests, including neurological conditions are performed. This includes:

• Physical examination: This involves checking for any signs and symptoms of neurological conditions or brain abnormalities that could be contributing to the reading difficulties. Examples include: visual examinations, sensory evaluations (touch and pain sensation) and general; health assessment⁶
• Neuroimaging: This includes brain imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, to look for any structural abnormalities or brain damage that could be contributing to Alexia
• Language Assessment: A speech-language test is also one of the best techniques to diagnose Alexia. This typically involves evaluating language skills and identifying specific areas of difficulty related to reading

Summary

A rare neurological disorder, Alexia, significantly impacts an individual’s ability to recognize written words and languages. Despite its rarity, Alexia presents significant hurdles with symptoms including difficulty recognizing written words, slow reading and frustration. Diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation, encompassing medical history, physical exams, and specialized tests. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing Alexia and enhancing the quality of life for those affected.