Bradylalia: what is it, causes, treatment and associated symptoms?

This alteration consists of a slowing of verbal fluency.

Human beings are gregarious and social beings who are in constant contact with other members of their species. In fact, as a species we have always depended to a great extent on the ability to communicate. And one of our main means of communication is also one of the most complex at our disposal: oral language. Speaking is something that is learned (although there are innate components) and developed throughout life, acquiring over time a rhythm and fluency that allows us to transmit highly complex messages in a relatively short time.

But sometimes, this ability can be impaired by a brain injury or trauma. This is what happens with bradyphalaliawhich we are going to talk about in this article.

What is bradylalia?

When we speak of bradilalia we are referring to the presence of a psychological alteration such as a slowing of language production of varying degree, usually resulting of variable degree, generally due to the presence of some kind of brain lesion or alteration. It is therefore a disorder of verbal rhythm and fluency.

Although the concept in itself would only refer to the speed at which speech is produced, the fact is that the impairment is generally not only at the level of rhythm, but the slowing is accompanied by other alterations such as the presence of a verbal fluency, a decrease in the ability to modulate the pitch of the voice (which usually becomes flattened) (which often becomes flattened and monotonous) and great difficulty in articulating words.

It is also frequent that multiple blocks appear during the speech, stuttering and certain prolongation or repetition of the sounds of the words. In some cases it is possible that a variable degree of mutism appears.

It is important to keep in mind that bradyphaly refers to a slowing of the production or emission of language, that is to say, of the act of speaking. However, verbal comprehension may be perfectly preserved. verbal comprehension may be perfectly preservedThe person understands everything that is said to him/her.

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

Consequences and symptoms

Speech is a fundamental ability in the daily life of most people, so the appearance of bradyphaly may be a symptom of a bradyphaly. can have severe functional repercussions for sufferers beyond mere slurred speech. beyond the mere difficulty in speaking.

It is not uncommon for problems in maintaining a conversation to generate personal and social problems. problems at a personal and social levelThis reduces their social life and hinders effective communication and underestimates their mental capacities. At the work level this can also have severe repercussions, hindering or even preventing, depending on the sector, the fulfillment of their functions.

In addition, it is 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 of what has happened to them, it is not uncommon for irritability to appear, it is not uncommon to find irritability, decreased self-esteemThe problems suffered may lead to depression, high levels of anxiety or even depression.

Avoidance of social contact, lack of motivation 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 have mentioned above, the origin of bradyphaly is usually found in the presence of some type of brain lesionspecifically in the areas of the brain linked to the production of language.

Some of the most common causes of its appearance are the presence of cerebrovascular accidents, cranioencephalic trauma 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 bradylinearity, such as that found in psychotic patients with negative symptomatology. psychotic patients with negative symptomatology..

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

Bradylinearity can also be found, to a lesser degree, in people suffering from psychiatric problems, such as major depression or the aforementioned subjects with psychotic-type problems and negative symptomatology. Finally, it can also be observed in subjects with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Its treatment

The treatment of bradyphaly depends largely on its causes, usually requiring a prolonged period of time to achieve progress and not always being possible to achieve a recovery of normal speech speed. and it is not always possible to achieve a recovery of normal speech rate.. This is because we are facing a problem arising from the injury or deterioration of part of the nervous system, an alteration that may be temporary or permanent.

If we are talking about a bradilalia caused by the effects of a punctual intoxication or depression, it will be possible to overcome it with the application of the pertinent treatment. In the case of permanent brain injuries, such as brain injuries, strokes or neurodegenerative diseases, a multidisciplinary approach involving various professionals will generally be applied.

Speech problems can be worked on or alleviated (since complete recovery is sometimes not possible) through a combination of speech therapy, speech therapy, occupational work and cognitive stimulation.. It can also be worked through physiotherapy and the strengthening of the bucco-phonatory and Respiratory muscles. If 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 at school, generating curricular adaptations or individualized plans depending on the case.

Psychoeducation is always important for the subject to understand what is happening to him/her and what effects it may have on his/her daily life. Also, in cases where the recovery of the normal speech rhythm cannot be achieved, compensatory strategies or substitutes can be generated. compensatory or substitutive strategies can be generated, such as the use of othersuch as the use of other means or channels of communication. It should also be applied to the environment, so that it understands the subject's difficulties. Psychological therapy, counseling and guidance may also be necessary in the presence of acceptance difficulties, grief or emotional problems.

Bibliographical references:

• Martínez-Sánchez, F. (2010). Speech and voice disorders in Parkinson's disease. Journal of Neurology, 51 (9): 542-550.