Agraphia, Condition of Loss of Ability to Write
Agraphia is a medical condition characterized by the loss of the ability to write. This condition makes it difficult for sufferers to carry out several aspects of writing, such as choosing the wrong letters to form a word so that they forget how to write the word.
Agraphia generally occurs together with several other disorders in the brain, such as aphasia and apraxia. However, in some cases, agraphia can also appear alone.
Agraphia is also often considered the same as aphasia, even though the two are different. Aphasia is a communication disorder that can affect the ability to speak and write. Meanwhile, agraphia only affects writing ability, but oral communication can still occur.
Even so, both of these disorders prevent the sufferer from doing activities related to writing, such as recording important information or writing a journal.
The Causes of Agraphia
In the process of writing, a person needs language skills, analysis, and writing movements. This ability is processed by the left side of the brain, because that part of the brain plays a role in processing language, analyzing, and carrying out fine motor skills, one of which is writing.
Therefore, if the left side of the brain is disturbed, agraphia can occur and cause the sufferer to have difficulty converting the words in his mind into written form. These disorders can be caused by diseases of the brain, such as:
1. Strokes
Stroke occurs due to lack of blood supply to the brain due to blockage or rupture of blood vessels. This disrupts brain function, including the language center, which can cause a person to experience language disorders, one of which is losing the ability to write.
2. Brain injury
Brain injury from a blow or hard impact can also cause disturbances in the left side of the brain, causing agraphia. Agraphia that occurs due to this condition can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the brain injury that occurred.
3. Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Agraphia that gets worse is believed to be one of the early signs of dementia. Dementia itself is a term used for a condition where a person's memory decreases and is generally caused by Alzheimer's disease
Besides that, Alzheimer's disease can also make it difficult for sufferers to find the right words to describe an object or express it through writing.
Types of Agraphia and Its Symptoms
Agraphia is divided into two types, namely central agraphia and peripheral agraphia. Both are distinguished based on the symptoms that arise due to damage to the left brain
Central agraphia refers to disturbances in the centers of language and perception. This damage causes the sufferer to be unable to spell. In addition, sufferers of central agraphia also have difficulty stringing words into sentences.
Meanwhile, peripheral agraphia occurs due to disturbances in motor function in the left side of the brain. The sufferer can still spell words and even make complete sentences, but he is hampered in writing them.
How to Handle Agraphia
Generally, agraphia is treated by treating the condition that underlies the disturbance in the left side of the brain. If it is caused by a stroke, the doctor will provide treatment, such as drugs to reduce blockages in blood vessels or perform surgery
If the underlying condition is resolved, the doctor will recommend agraphia sufferers to do physiotherapy. This aims to support motor movements, so that writing skills also increase again.
Agraphia that occurs due to mild brain injury can generally be treated. However, you should be wary if the agraphia is due to a serious brain injury. The reason is, this condition can last permanently so that agraphia becomes difficult to treat.
If you or someone close to you experiences symptoms of agraphia, especially after having an accident or hitting your head, immediately consult a doctor. That way, doctors can provide appropriate and fast treatment so that disorders in the brain don't get worse.
Label : Health
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