Evidence for right-hemisphere involvement in recovery from aphasia

Arch Neurol. 1988 Sep;45(9):1025-9. doi: 10.1001/archneur.1988.00520330117020.

Abstract

Cortical evoked potentials and dichotic listening test scores were used to assess the extent of activation of the two cerebral hemispheres during various language tasks in a group of 21 recovering aphasics, 15 nonaphasic patients with right-hemisphere stroke, and 17 normal volunteers. In agreement with previous findings, both measures suggest greater right-hemisphere activation during language processing in the recovering aphasics than in nonaphasic patients and normal subjects. These data support the view that restitution of language entails reorganization of brain function with increased participation of the nondominant hemisphere.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aphasia / physiopathology*
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Dichotic Listening Tests
  • Evoked Potentials
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language Tests
  • Male