What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the precise role of the posterior temporal language area (Wernicke's area) in verbal comprehension using focal electrical stimulation.

May 1, 1986Neurology

Electrical stimulation of Wernicke's area interferes with comprehension

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Authors

RLRonald P. LesserJohns Hopkins University HLHans O. LüdersBoston University HMHarold H. MorrisRoyal Derby Hospital

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Implication

Cortical stimulation study reveals that posterior temporal activation impairs complex reading and comprehension in epilepsy patients, suggesting a specific role for Wernicke's area.

Key Points

To assess the precise role of the posterior temporal language area (Wernicke's area) in verbal comprehension using focal electrical stimulation.
Subdural electrode arrays were surgically placed over the lateral convexity of the language-dominant hemisphere in 4 patients with epilepsy undergoing presurgical evaluation.
Direct electrical stimulation was administered across multiple days to the posterior temporal language area while patients performed verbal and nonverbal tasks.
Electrical stimulation of the posterior temporal language area selectively impaired reading and comprehension of complex verbal information.
Comprehension of nonverbal data and simple verbal information was unaffected during cortical stimulation.
The induced deficits were specifically attributable to language comprehension failure rather than disruptions in motor planning (praxis) or initial word storage.

Cite This Study

Lesser et al. (1986) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9fd3b8cbd710335e8d422e https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.36.5.658

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Implication

Cortical stimulation study reveals that posterior temporal activation impairs complex reading and comprehension in epilepsy patients, suggesting a specific role for Wernicke's area.

Electrical stimulation of Wernicke's area interferes with comprehension

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Electrical stimulation of Wernicke's area interferes with comprehension

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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