[Double dissociation between unilateral neglect and anosognosia]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2002 Apr;158(4):427-30.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We report two patients presenting with a subacute right hemisphere stroke. These cases demonstrate a double dissociation between unilateral neglect and anosognosia for hemiplegia. The first patient suffered from a severe left hemiplegia associated with severe and persisting unilateral neglect. He appeared fully aware of his motor impairment. The second patient had a severe left hemiplegia, without any major sign of unilateral neglect on clinical tests nor on behavioural assessment. Nevertheless, he presented a severe and sustained anosognosia for hemiplegia. These case reports support the assumption that anosognosia and unilateral neglect, although they are frequently associated, may rely on independent mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Agnosia / diagnosis*
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hemiplegia / diagnosis
  • Hemiplegia / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Perceptual Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Severity of Illness Index