Dyslexia

As you can see, compulsive solutions do not really help dyslexics. For years doctors have sought a cure for dyslexia. So far, they have not found one. But they have found ways to help dyslexics to cope. No treatment works for everyone. But each treatment has helped a number of individuals.

The following are some of the treatments now offered.

Ear Medication

Some dyslexics take antihistamines and drugs for motion sickness. That's because their doctors think dyslexia comes from a disorder in the inner ear. The disorder speeds up signals that go to the brain. As a result, the eye sees things too quickly. It's like trying to read a sign from a speeding car. Letters are blurred, scrambled, and reversed. The medicines slow down the signals that go to the brain, so reading becomes easier.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a system of therapy which treats disease by trying to improve nerve function. Some doctors think that dyslexia is caused by a bone problem. They say this bone problem keeps the eye muscles from working freely. As treatment, chiropractors massage the skull bones that affect the eye muscles. They also work to improve the dyslexic's posture when reading. They believe that eye reflexes start at the base of the spine, so sitting properly can help one to see correctly.

Megavitamins

Other doctors believe that dyslexia may be caused by a chemical disorder in the brain. They treat the disorder with megavitamins or megaminerals. These are much higher dosages than the usual amounts of the vitamin or mineral. Doctors believe that this treatment sets the brain's chemistry at normal levels. Once that happens, according to this theory, the dyslexic has less trouble reading.

Essential Fatty Acid Supplements

Some nutritionists think that dyslexia is caused by a deficiency in essential fatty acids (EFA), a necessary nutrient for the proper functioning of the eyes, brain synapses, and nerve tissues. Some people sell a nutritional supplement that includes tuna fish oil and other oils rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E.

Special Diets

Some dyslexics are hyperactive. Sugar adds to their energy, so their doctors put them on diets that lower their intake of sugar. Other doctors recommend not eating wheat or milk products, because they often contain sugar. Others say to avoid foods with artificial flavoring, such as soft drinks.

Tinted Lenses

Recently, the use of lenses or page overlays tinted with color (such as blue or red) have been shown to be helpful to some dyslexics. Some dyslexics seem to be very light sensitive; their brains can't properly filter out certain kinds of light, making reading difficult. Black letters on a white page look like they are jumping. Tinted lenses or overlays screen out the light for dyslexics, making the letters stand still.

Exercise

Some research indicates that regular exercise seems to boost a dyslexic's concentration, memory, and overall performance in school.

All the treatments mentioned so far are controversial; experts do not agree whether they really work. Some are too new for their results and benefits to be clear yet. Each treatment seems to work for some dyslexics, but not for all.