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Remediation of alexia without agraphia: a case study
M S Daniel1, J F Bolter, C J Long
1Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital, Long Beach, CA.
Brain Injury
|November 1, 1992
Summary
This study details a successful remediation program for a patient with alexia without agraphia, improving reading skills and enabling return to work. The program combined visual field compensation, intensive reading drills, and naming practice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Alexia without agraphia is a rare reading disorder following brain injury.
- Left temporoparietal-occipital lesions can cause significant reading impairments.
- Understanding recovery mechanisms is crucial for effective patient rehabilitation.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male patient developed alexia without agraphia after a left temporoparietal-occipital hemorrhage and surgery.
- The patient presented with a right visual field defect and difficulties in word recognition and naming.
- A concurrent post-morbid depression was noted.
Findings:
- A multimodal remediation program involving head turning, letter-by-letter reading, flash-card drills, and object naming significantly improved reading ability.
- The patient's reading skills improved markedly within a 6-week period.
- The patient successfully resumed his role as a respiratory therapy supervisor.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for intensive, targeted rehabilitation to restore reading function after neurological injury.
- The findings support theories of hemispheric functioning and dual-route models of reading in recovery.
- Concomitant resolution of depression suggests a link between functional recovery and mental well-being.