Gerstmann syndrome

As Gerstmann 's syndrome a symptom complex is called, which was first described by Josef Gerstmann in 1924. It consists of:

  • Agraphia ( difficulty in writing, which are not due to motor disorders or intellectual impairment ).
  • Acalculia (difficulty in calculating normal intelligence)
  • Finger and toe agnosia (difficulty in naming and identifying their own fingers and toes )
  • Left-right confusion

Synonymous with the term angularis syndrome is often used. However, this is considered as a separate entity ( see below). The use of both terms is controversial ( see below).

Anatomy

The Gerstmann syndrome occurs when damage such as a stroke, the area of ​​the supramarginal gyrus ( Brodmann 's area 40), and the adjacent angular gyrus of the language-dominant (usually left ) hemisphere. The supramarginal gyrus winds around the posterior ( rear ) end of the Sylvian fissure, the angular gyrus to the underlying posterior end of the superior temporal sulcus.

Discussion about relevance

The existence as an independent entity in neurology is controversial. Firstly, a pure Gerstmann 's syndrome without apraxia, aphasia or other neurological problems is very rare. On the other hand, the individual symptoms do not occur more frequently together than with other symptoms combined on. This is because loss of function usually affect by cerebral infarctions or other damage larger areas of the brain. Finally, the four symptoms can be partially explained by other malfunctions. For example, the acalculia by disturbances of working memory, or agraphia with right-left confusion.

Course

The development of the symptoms depends strongly on the underlying disease. A stroke, for example, they usually occur suddenly and may regress over the course of weeks to months and years, at least partially. The consistent implementation of occupational therapy and speech therapy are crucial for a good course.

Confusion

  • The Developmental Gerstmann 's Syndrome is a separate disease of childhood and adolescence, which is not accompanied by a lesion of the angular gyrus, but with bilateral malfunction in the parietal lobe of the brain. It occurs together with the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities.
  • The Gerstmann - Sträussler - Scheinker syndrome refers to a very rare form of Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease.
Brodmann area
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