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Large acute cerebral hemorrhage presenting with pure alexia
Jarred J Thomas1, Janyce M Sanford
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35249-7013, USA.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|November 7, 2006
Summary
Sudden inability to read (alexia) can signal a serious brain event like hemorrhage or stroke. Prompt emergency department evaluation is crucial for diagnosing the underlying cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Alexia, the acquired inability to read, is a rare emergency department complaint.
- It typically indicates a brain lesion near the dominant hemisphere's parieto-occipital junction.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old man presented with acute alexia but no agraphia or visual field defects.
- Imaging revealed an intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the right posterior/inferior parietal cortex.
Findings:
- The case highlights that alexia, with or without agraphia, can be an initial symptom of intracranial hemorrhage.
- Cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) are also potential causes.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of alexia as a presenting symptom is vital for emergency physicians.
- Timely diagnosis and management of cerebrovascular events are critical.
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