What is logoclonus and what causes it?

What is logoclonus?

Logoclonus is a term that is used in medicine, to identify a symptom that presents as the spasmodic repetition of a syllable in the middle or at the end of a word or phrase in a multiple and compulsive way (for example: “I want a phone, no no no no”), and sometimes can directly include words. (1)

It is also considered an alteration of verbal oral language, due to its involuntary and dystonic use, and is usually indicative of some hidden or developing disease.

Note: The origin of this disorder, as well as the pathology that generates it, is commonly neurological associated with old age or other traumatic events such asstrokes. Similarly, logoclonus as a symptom has no cure and treatment is aimed at the disease that causes it.

What are the causes of logoclonus?

The causes that originate logoclonus, are directly related tofailures in the neurological functioning of thebrainand which we mention below:

1. Parkinson’s disease

Similarly, this type of disease appears after chronic damage to certain parts of the brain, where speech and language functions are also developed.

To highlight: Logoclonia is an oral language disorder, which is included within the group of repetitive disorders to which other alterations belong, such as apraxia of speech, Echolalia,echopraxia,palilalia andcoprolalia.

2. Alzheimer’s

Another neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer’s disease (3) , which is characterized by mild memory loss , but in the advanced stage people lose the ability to hold a conversation and interact with the environment.

You should know: Like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease is caused by neurological damage in some areas of the brain that coincidentally dominate language function, and may cause logoclonia.

3. Senile dementia

Senile dementia is a syndrome characterized by the deterioration of the patient’s cognitive abilities . (4)

Note: This pathology occurs due to the neurological affectation of the brain, where areas that are destined to control the functions related to speech and language are compromised , sometimes causing the appearance of logoclony.

4. Pseudobulbar syndrome

Pseudobulbar syndrome (5) is characterized by an involuntary and uncontrolled reaction of laughter or crying that is disproportionate to the context in which it occurs.

These manifestations may begin as a response to a stimulus, but the emotions displayed are more intense and lasting than expected and are difficult or impossible to stop.

To highlight: This syndrome is associated with other pathologies that occur due to damage caused to the neurological system, such as strokes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, among others that affect areas where the ability to speak and language works .

5. Kluver-Bucy syndrome

Klüver-Bucy syndrome (6) is a rare neurological disease that occurs as a consequence of bilateral brain lesions specifically of the temporal lobe , affecting the hippocampus and Amygdala .

You should know: This syndrome manifests itself through the loss of some cognitive functions and damage to the frontal lobes , which can cause logoclonia to appear.

How is the treatment for logoclonia?

The therapeutic treatment for this symptom will be aimed at correcting the pathology that causes it and in this sense the following intervention strategies are regularly available:

1. Psychological therapy

Psychological therapy is aimed at treating pathologies in which neurological damage does not affect the understanding of speech and language, in which case the strategy will be aimed at improving communication aspects between the patient, their families and society.

Note: The patient’s understanding of the disease they are suffering from and its associated symptoms, as well as family understanding, will support a better quality of life within the family.

2. Medical treatment

In those more complex cases, where brain damage makes it more difficult for the patient and their families to adapt to this new stage of their lives, other strategies are available such as Pharmacological Therapy and, in severe cases, surgical intervention, provided that the benefit surgery is greater than your risks.

Key Conclusions

• Logoclonia is a medical term used to identify the spasmodic repetition of a syllable in the middle or at the end of a word.
• Logoclonia is also considered an alteration of verbal oral language, due to its involuntary and dystonic use.
• The origin of this disorder is commonly neurological , associated with old age or other traumatic events.
• Logoclonia is included within the group of iterative language disorders .