[Alexia without agraphia; not being able to read what you have just written].

BACKGROUND: Alexia without agraphia is a neurological syndrome that is caused by a specific lesion in the left (or the dominant) cerebral hemisphere. It is characterised by a severe reading disorder with writing ability intact. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe a patient who, after a fall from a staircase, could no longer read, even that which he had written shortly before. Initially, he also had problems with orientation and facial recognition. Two months after the accident, alexia without agraphia was still manifest while the other symptoms had disappeared. His ability to read showed a slow improvement; complete recovery occurred after two years. The absence of concomitant disorders was exceptional. CONCLUSION: The disorder alexia without agraphia seems improbable, but deserves serious attention to prevent diagnostic delay.