[Visually based reading disorders after brain damage. Standardised assessment and treatment with READ]

Visually based reading disorders are frequently encountered in patients with acquired brain damage. Homonymous visual field defects, impaired elementary visual capacities (acuity, contrast sensitivity, convergent fusion, ocular motor disorders), visual neglect or Balint-Holmes syndrome are the most frequent causes of such reading disorders. Reading is not only an important prerequisite for vocational and private life, but is also indispensable for subsequent cognitive abilities such as verbal working memory and long-term memory. Despite this importance no comprehensive system exists for the standardised assessment and treatment of visually based reading capacities in the German-speaking area. Here, we describe the basic properties of such a system (READ). After a short survey of the main causes of visually based reading disorders after brain damage, the anamnesis, diagnostic facilities, normative data as well as a variety of treatment techniques of the novel system are described. Selected results from ongoing clinical group studies as well as case examples highlight the diagnostic sensitivity and therapeutic efficiency of the new system for better management of visually based reading disorders after brain damage.