CONCEPTS OF ANOSOGNOSIA,
Abstract
A study of 45 cases of denial of hemiplegia and/or neglect of the affected limbs indicated an alteration of perceptual-symbolic function, in which one side of the body was represented in metaphorical and delusional language and non verbally in analogous acts and gestures. Delu sions and attitudes concerning absence of the affected side were concepts rather than manifes tations of failure to receive stimuli. In each case, such alterations in the relationship in the environment were noted by accompanying changes in the designation of place, time, objects and/or person. The predominance of lesions of the right brain is explained by the inability of many pa tients with left brain lesions and aphasic diffi culties to use metaphor, idioms, and synonyms. The etiology is multi-factorial. The brain lesion produces the somatosensory deficit and, in addi tion, provides the necessary conditions for an altred threshold of interaction in the environ ment. As both the verbal and non-verbal mani festations are to an extent artefacts of the situation in which they are observed, responses varied with the conditions of examination. The content of the patterns of anosognosia, as shown, for example, in personification of the affected limbs, can be correlated with pre-morbid social relationships and cultural roles. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0417512
Entities
People
- Edwin A. Weinstein
- Malvin Cole