What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Associative Agnosia
• Monomodal Visual Amnesia
• Visual Amnesia

What is Primary Visual Agnosia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Primary Visual Agnosia is a rare neurological condition characterized by the reduced capacity to visually recognize familiar people and things
• The disorder is caused by brain abnormalities that result in difficulties comprehending the world around an individual, but does not result in the physical loss of sight

Who gets Primary Visual Agnosia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals of all ages are susceptible to Primary Visual Agnosia
• Both males and females are equally affected

What are the Risk Factors for Primary Visual Agnosia? (Predisposing Factors)

The common risk factors of Primary Visual Agnosia include:

• Any medical condition that affect the senses
• Eye infection
• Brain surgery
• Stroke
• Tumors

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Primary Visual Agnosia? (Etiology)

• Primary Visual Agnosia is caused by brain damage to the area that is associated with visual memory. When this part of the brain is injured, its ability to function properly is reduced, making it more difficult for people to recognize visual sights
• Various medical conditions can contribute to the development of Primary Visual Agnosia and these include:
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Agenesis of the corpus callosum (birth defect, where corpus callosum is not present)
  • Exposure to toxins (such as carbon monoxide poisoning)
  • Achromatopsia (congenital color vision disorder) 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Primary Visual Agnosia?

Common signs and symptoms of Primary Visual Agnosia include:

• Difficulty recognizing familiar objects, sounds, and smells
• Inability to recognize familiar people
• Visual recognition impairments

How is Primary Visual Agnosia Diagnosed?

To diagnose Primary Visual Agnosia, medical professionals usually conduct a variety of tests. These include the following:

• Physical examination and comprehensive medical history evaluation
• Psychophysical tests
• CT and MRI scans
• Eye tests

Through these tests, it can be better understood if brain damage is present that affects the ability to remember visual cues.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Primary Visual Agnosia?

The following complications may arise due to Primary Visual Agnosia:

• Brain damage may worsen in individuals with the disorder and could spread to other parts of the brain
• Cataracts may also arise from Primary Visual Agnosia, which results in hazy vision due to clouding of the eye lens
• In some cases, the condition may also result in glaucoma. In these individuals, permanent vision damage and blindness can occur if it is left untreated
• In rare cases, it can result in autotopagnosia in which the affected individuals may not be able to recognize or point to their body parts when asked to be identified

How is Primary Visual Agnosia Treated?

The treatment of Primary Visual Agnosia depends on the symptoms that are present.

• The treatment is mostly symptomatic and supportive
• Affected individuals may undergo exercises or rehabilitation to relearn about objects necessary for everyday living. Exercises and rehabilitation to help restore lost memories may also be helpful
• In the case of secondary visual agnosia, the treatment of an underlying disorder may reduce symptoms and help prevent further brain damage

How can Primary Visual Agnosia be Prevented?

• Where possible, preventative measures should be taken to help avoid brain damage, which will help reduce the risk of its occurrence
• It is important to be safe in day-to-day activities and take precautions before doing any dangerous activities (such as related to occupation, driving, sports, etc.)

What is the Prognosis of Primary Visual Agnosia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

With proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most individuals with Primary Visual Agnosia can partially regain their ability to recognize people and objects.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Primary Visual Agnosia:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/neurological-institute/