Dyslexia

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty which can range from being mild to being severe and is typified by problems in reading. It is important to note that the disorder is not due to poor intelligence or diseases related to vision. It can actually go undetected as the patient may manifest frustration and signs of depression and behavioral problems that can mask the underlying condition. The disorder persists throughout life but most patients do well through specialized educational programs and strong social support. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Causes

Dyslexia is largely thought to be a result of genetic makeup thus the condition may run down through families. There are several types of dyslexia. Trauma dyslexia, as the name implies, is brought about by an injurious process to the part of the brain assigned to reading and writing. The next type is called primary dyslexia. It is chiefly a dysfunction of a brain area and more commonly affects males. The third type is called secondary and frequently results from hormonal development during fetal stages. ^[2][4]

Symptoms

Talking at a late age is one symptom that may be observed before patients reach school age. When the child has entered school, he or she typically experiences difficulty in reading and spelling and in seeing the similarities and variations between words. The letters and words are frequently seen in reverse and the patient finds it hard to match letters with sounds. The child also often encounters problem in rhyming, sequencing and copying words from board. Adolescent and adult patients may have trouble in summarizing stories, memorizing, comprehending jokes or idiomatic expressions and reading aloud. Time management seems to be a hard task as well for them. ^{[1] [3]}

Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose the disorder, the patient should be taken to a specialist, often a psychologist. Standardized tests are needed to determine the patient’s ability on both spoken and written language. The patient’s background is also assessed particularly the family history and social environment. ^[2]

Treatment

Education through specialized programs is the best way to deal with the disorder. Strategies like multi-sensory, structured language tutoring and classroom modification techniques often help. Drugs are generally not needed. Only those with concomitant diseases may be prescribed with medication. Social support is extremely essential. ^{[1] [3]}

References:

1.      http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dyslexia/DS00224

2.      http://www.medicinenet.com/dyslexia/article.htm

3.      http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia

4.      http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dyslexia/Pages/Causes.aspx

Efficacy of Alternative and Other Treatments According to GRADE* Ranking:

Osteopathy [1]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. 

Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that osteopathy is beneficial for those with dyslexia. More studies are needed)

Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence

* www.gradeworkinggroup.org

Summary References

Treatments:

1. http://www.osteopathicresearch.com/paper_pdf/vanHaentjens..pdf

Public Discussion