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alexia
Pronunciation: uh-LEK-see-uh
Loss of ability to read despite preserved visual acuity and general intellectual function.
Full Definition
Alexia is an acquired reading disorder that occurs after brain damage, typically to the left hemisphere. Unlike developmental dyslexia, alexia affects previously literate individuals who lose their reading ability due to neurological injury. The condition can present as pure alexia (inability to read with preserved writing ability) or alexia with agraphia (combined reading and writing deficits). Alexia is often associated with left occipital or angular gyrus lesions.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from developmental dyslexia, which is a learning disorder rather than an acquired deficit.
In Context
- "The patient presented with pure alexia following a posterior cerebral artery stroke." — Neurological assessment report
- "Alexia without agraphia suggests a disconnection between visual areas and language centers." — Clinical case study
Also known as
acquired dyslexia
word blindness
Contrasted with
hyperlexia
Don't confuse with
dyslexia
agraphia