The Difference Between Agraphia & Dysgraphia

Although agraphia and dysgraphia both affect the ability of an individual to write, their causes and effects are very different from one another. The treatment for agraphia and dysgraphia also differ.

Dysgraphia

• Dysgraphia is a condition marked by a writing disability that causes the individual's writing to become distorted or show incorrect letters. Writing letters of the wrong size, or repeated misspellings can be symptoms of dysgraphia.

Cause

• According to the National Institute of Health, the cause of dysgraphia is unknown. Its appearance in adults is generally related to trauma, although dysgraphia also appears in children.

Treatment

• Motor therapy is one of the most common treatments for dysgraphia, although some doctors stress other neurological areas that may be related to this condition. Using a computer can help an individual avoid dealing with dysgraphia in many situations.

Agraphia

• Agraphia is the loss of the ability to write, and it is most often brought on by a stroke or other severe brain trauma or disease. Individuals with agraphia are sometimes able to regain the ability to write.

Treatment

• Treatment for individuals with agraphia usually comes in the form of traditional medications and therapy for patients who have had strokes.