Conduction aphasia elicited by stimulation of the left posterior superior temporal gyrus
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Dr Mark Quigg, Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Box 394, Health Sciences Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. Telephone 001 804 924 5312; fax 001 804 982 1726; email quigg{at}virginia.edu
- Received 17 July 1998
- Revised 14 September 1998
- Accepted 16 September 1998
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Disruption of fascicular tracts that connect Wernicke’s to Broca’s areas is the classic mechanism of conduction aphasia. Later work has emphasised cortical mechanisms.
METHODS To determine the distribution of language on dominant cortex, electrical cortical stimulation was performed using implanted subdural electrodes during brain mapping before epilepsy surgery.
RESULTS A transient, isolated deficit in repetition was elicited with stimulation of the posterior portion of the dominant superior temporal gyrus.
Conclusion—This finding suggests that cortical dysfunction, not just white matter disruption, can induce conduction aphasia.
