central alexia
Reading impairment due to damage to brain regions involved in visual word recognition, distinct from peripheral visual or attentional causes.
Full Definition
Central alexia refers to reading disorders that result from damage to cortical areas specialized for visual word processing, most commonly involving the left occipitotemporal region including the visual word form area. Unlike peripheral alexias caused by visual field defects or attention disorders, central alexia affects the brain's ability to recognize written words as meaningful linguistic units. Subtypes include pure alexia (alexia without agraphia), where patients can write but cannot read their own writing, and alexia with agraphia, involving both reading and writing impairments. The condition may occur in isolation or as part of broader language disturbances following stroke or other brain lesions.
Usage
Usage note: Two words, not hyphenated. Distinguishes from 'peripheral alexia' which has visual/attentional causes.
In Context
- "The patient's central alexia prevented recognition of written words despite preserved letter identification abilities." — Speech pathology evaluation
- "Central alexia following the posterior cerebral artery stroke required intensive reading rehabilitation therapy." — Rehabilitation planning