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

The human being is a gregarious and social being, which is in constant contact with other members of its species. In fact, as a species we have always relied heavily on the ability to communicate. And one of our main communication channels is at the same time one of the most complex that we have: oral language. Speaking is something that is learned (although there are innate components) and develops throughout life, acquiring over time a rhythm and fluency that allows transmitting highly complex messages in relatively Little time.

But sometimes, this ability can be impaired by the suffering of a brain injury or trauma. This is what happens with bradylalia, about which we are going to talk throughout this article.

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What is bradylalia?

When we speak of bradilalia we are referring to the presence of a psychological alteration such as a slowing down of language production 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 generally speaking The affectation does not only occur at the rhythm level, but the slowing down is accompanied by other alterations such as the presence of of a decreased verbal fluency, a decreased ability to modulate the tone of the voice (which tends to become flat and monotonous) and great difficulty in articulating words.

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

It is important to bear in mind that bradylalia refers to a slowdown in the production or emission of language, that is, the act of speaking. However verbal comprehension may be perfectly preserved, understanding the person everything that is said to him.

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 said injury rather than a disorder per se.

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Consequences and symptoms

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

It is not uncommon for problems with having a conversation to generate problems on a personal and social level, diminishing their social life and hindering effective communication and being undervalued their mental capacities. At the labor level, this can also have severe repercussions, making it difficult or even preventing, depending on the sector, the fulfillment of their functions.

In addition, it is common for their difficulties to also generate an alteration on an emotional level, especially if they are aware of the presence of these difficulties. In addition to their own concern and possible lack of understanding regarding what has happened to them, it is not uncommon for irritability, decreased self-esteem to appear, high levels of anxiety or even that the problems suffered can lead to depression.

Avoidance of social contact, demotivation and loss of desire to do things can also appear, as well as some hopelessness. All this is especially frequent in those cases that do not present improvement.

Causes of this problem

As we have mentioned previously, 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 are the presence of cerebrovascular accidents, trauma cranioencephalic 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 the one found in psychotic patients with negative symptoms.

It is not uncommon for it to appear in situations such as substance abuse poisoning 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 origin of this language alteration.

Bradylalia can also be found, to a lesser degree, in people suffering from psychiatric problems, an example being the 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

Treatment of bradylalia is highly dependent on its causes, generally requiring a prolonged period of time to make progress and not always being possible to achieve a recovery of the usual speed of speech. This is because we are facing a problem arising from the injury or deterioration of part of the nervous system, an alteration that can be temporary or permanent.

If we are talking about bradylalia caused by the effects of a specific poisoning or depression, it will be possible to overcome it before the application of the relevant treatment. In the case of permanent brain injuries, such as brain injuries, strokes, or neurodegenerative diseases, a multidisciplinary approach will generally be applied in which diverse professionals will intervene.

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

Psychoeducation is always important so that the subject understands what happens to him and what effects it can have on his day-to-day life. Also, in cases where the recovery of the normal rhythm of speech cannot be achieved compensatory or substitute strategies can be generated, such as the use of other means or communication channels. It must also be applied to the environment, so that it understands the difficulties of the subject. Likewise, it may be necessary to carry out psychological therapy, counseling and guidance in the presence of acceptance difficulties, grief or emotional problems.

Bibliographic references:

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