Pure alexia

Pure alexia (also known as Alexia without agraphia or Dejerine's syndrome) is a medical condition characterized by an individual's inability to read, despite having the ability to write, and without any other language deficits. It is a form of alexia which can be acquired after damage to specific areas of the brain.

Causes

Pure alexia is caused by damage to the left occipitotemporal cortex. This damage is often due to stroke, brain tumor, trauma, or infection. The condition is named after the French neurologist Joseph Jules Dejerine, who first described it in the late 19th century.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of pure alexia is a severe reading impairment. Individuals with this condition can write and understand spoken language, but they cannot read, even simple words. They may also have difficulty recognizing familiar objects or faces.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pure alexia is based on the individual's symptoms and a neurological examination. Brain imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scan may be used to identify the location and extent of brain damage.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for pure alexia. Therapy focuses on improving reading skills through strategies such as tracing words with the finger or reading words aloud. Some individuals may also benefit from speech and language therapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with pure alexia varies. Some individuals may show significant improvement with therapy, while others may continue to have severe reading difficulties.

See also

• Agraphia
• Dyslexia
• Neuropsychology

References

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