Language alterations in epilepsy: a neurolinguistics study

Author(s)

Danielle Patrícia Algave

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Estudos da Linguagem
• Defense date: 2012-04-04

Examining board members

Rosana do Carmo Novaes Pinto; Maria Irma Hadler Coudry; Elenir Fedosse

• Advisor: Rosana do Carmo Novaes Pinto

Abstract

This dissertation, which has as its main goal to study language alterations in epilepsy, was produced within the Discursive Neurolinguistics (ND), an area which has been dedicated to study language alterations in aphasia and dementia in a socio-historical perspective since the 80s, with the first works of Coudry (1986/1988). ND confronts the hegemonic discourses which reduce the complex phenomena (such as language) to organic and biological explanations. Although there are innumerous studies dedicated to the theme of linguistic-cognitive alterations in epilepsy, in general they are limited to describe a list of symptoms, among which the language alterations (word finding/selecting difficulties, production of paraphasias, difficulties for reading and writing), without, however, analyzing them or relating them to other cognitive difficulties (such as memory and attention) as well as psychiatric disorders (such as visual and auditory hallucinations). Epilepsy affects mostly children and teenagers, and may cause delays in language acquisition, learning difficulties and, consequently, an impairment in cognitive development as a whole. The data presented in this dissertation, obtained in dialogic situations with two subjects - GU and MA - or by means of semi-structured interviews with adult subjects show that the epilepsy significantly affects cognitive-linguistic activities of the individuals who had the first seizures during early childhood. We emphasize the importance of conducting language activities within meaningful discursive practices, to minimize the cognitive impairment. Finally, we also emphasize the relevance of the mediating role of professionals who work in clinical and in scholar settings (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/04338-8 - Language Alterations in Epilepsies: a Neurolinguistic Study
• Grantee: Danielle Patricia Algave
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master