Bradilalia: what it is, causes, treatment and associated symptoms

April 1, 2024

The human being is a gregarious and social being, which is in constant contact with other members of his species. In fact, as a species we have always depended to a large extent on the ability to communicate. And one of our main communication channels is at the same time one of the most complex of which we have: the oral language. Speaking is something that is learned (although there are innate components) and developed throughout life, acquiring over time a rhythm and flow that allows to transmit messages of high complexity in a relatively short time.

But sometimes, this ability can be impaired when suffering from a brain injury or trauma. This is what happens with bradylalia , about which we will talk throughout this article.

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What is bradylalia?

When we talk about bradylalia we are referring to the presence of a psychological alteration as a slowdown in the production of language of variable degree, product generally of the presence of some type of injury or cerebral alteration. It is therefore a disorder of rhythm and verbal fluency.

Although the concept itself would only refer to the speed at which speech occurs, the truth is that the affectation is not only at the rhythm level, but the slowing is accompanied by other alterations such as the presence of a decreased verbal fluency, a decrease in the ability to modulate the tone of the voice (which usually becomes flat and monotonous) and a great difficulty when articulating the words.

It is also common for multiple blockages to appear during speech, stuttering and some prolongation or repetition of the sounds of words. In some cases, a variable degree of mutism may appear.

It is important to bear in mind that bradylalia refers to a slowing down of the production or emission of language, that is, of the act of speaking. But nevertheless verbal comprehension can be perfectly preserved , understanding the person everything that is said to him.

This type of involvement does not appear spontaneously, being in fact an indicator of the existence of neuronal damage. It would therefore be a symptom of this injury rather than a disorder per se.

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Consequences and symptoms

Speech is a fundamental capacity in the day to day of most people, bringing the appearance of bradylalia can have severe functional repercussions for people who suffer from them beyond the mere difficulty of speaking.

It is not uncommon for problems when having a conversation to generate problems on a personal and social level , decreasing their social life and hindering effective communications and their mental capacities are undervalued. At the labor level, this can also have severe repercussions, hindering or even preventing, according to the sector, the fulfillment of its functions.

It is also common that their difficulties also generate an emotional disturbance, especially if they are aware of the presence of such difficulties. In addition to their own concern and possible lack of understanding about what has happened to them, it is not strange that irritability appears, decreased self-esteem , high levels of anxiety or even that the problems suffered can lead to the suffering of a depression.

The avoidance of social contact, demotivation and loss of desire to do things may also appear, as well as a certain hopelessness. All this is especially frequent in those cases that do not show improvement.

Causes of this problem

As we mentioned earlier the origin of bradylalia is usually found in the presence of some type of brain injury , specifically in the areas of the brain linked to the production of language.

Some of the most common causes of its appearance is the presence of cerebrovascular accidents, traumatic brain injuries or neurodegenerative diseases (appearing throughout the development of multiple dementias, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's). Other circumstances that produce cognitive impairment can also generate bradylalia, such as that found in psychotic patients with negative symptoms .

It is not uncommon for it to appear in situations such as poisonings due to substance abuse or disorders derived from it. Also some poisonings and poisonings can produce it, as well as confusional states. The presence of brain infections, such as encephalitis , is another possible source of this alteration of language.

Bradylalia can also be found, to a lesser extent, in people suffering from psychiatric problems, one example being major depression or the aforementioned subjects with psychotic problems and negative symptoms. Finally, it can also be observed in subjects with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Your treatment

The treatment of bradylalia depends to a large extent on its causes, requiring generally a prolonged period of time to achieve progress and it is not always possible to achieve a recovery of the usual speed of speech . This is because we are dealing with a problem arising from the injury or deterioration of part of the nervous system, an alteration that may be temporary or permanent.

If we talk about a bradylalia caused by the effects of a specific poisoning or a depression, it will be possible to overcome it before applying the relevant treatment. In the case of permanent brain injuries, such as brain injuries, cerebrovascular accidents or neurodegenerative diseases, a multidisciplinary approach will usually be applied in which various professionals will intervene.

Language problems can be worked on or mitigated (since sometimes complete recovery is not possible) through a combination of language therapy, speech therapy, occupational work and cognitive stimulation . You can also work from physiotherapy and strengthening of the bucco and respiratory muscles. In the case that we are talking about children with neurodevelopmental disorders, in addition to this type of treatment it will be necessary to take into account their difficulties in the school by generating curricular adaptations or individualized plans depending on the case.

Psychoeducation is always important for the subject to understand what happens to him and what effects he may have on his day to day. Also, in cases where the recovery of the normal speech rhythm can not be achieved compensatory or substitute strategies can be generated , as the use of other media or communication channels. It must also apply to the environment, so that it understands the difficulties of the subject. It may also be necessary to perform psychological therapy, counseling and guidance in the presence of difficulties of acceptance, grief or emotional problems.