Sign language aphasia due to left occipital lesion in a deaf signer

Neurology. 2007 Oct 2;69(14):1466-8. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000277455.08067.9c.

Abstract

Localization of sign language production and comprehension in deaf people has been described as similar to that of spoken language aphasia. However, sign language employs a visuospatial modality through visual information. We present the first report of a deaf signer who showed substantial sign language aphasia with severe impairment in word production due to a left occipital lesion. This case may indicate the possibility of other localizations of plasticity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Aged
  • Aphasia, Wernicke / etiology
  • Aphasia, Wernicke / pathology
  • Aphasia, Wernicke / physiopathology*
  • Cerebral Infarction / complications
  • Cerebral Infarction / pathology
  • Cerebral Infarction / physiopathology*
  • Deafness / physiopathology*
  • Functional Laterality*
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Language Tests
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual
  • Sign Language*
  • Visual Cortex / pathology
  • Visual Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Visual Pathways / pathology
  • Visual Pathways / physiopathology