APRAXIC AGRAPHIA WITH NEGLECT-INDUCED PARAGRAPHIA

Agraphia may result from the loss or unavailability of the memory of movements necessary to form written letters. For this mechanism to be invoked, it must first be demonstrated that there is no language deficit and that there is no disconnection between language and motor areas. A left-handed patient demonstrated bilateral agraphia and apraxia, but not aphasia, following a right parietal infarction. Preservation of the ability to type with the left hand demonstrated that the right hemisphere was not disconnected from language input. In addition, paragraphic errors while typing were shown to be secondary to left hemispatial neglect. © 1979, American Medical Association. All rights reserved.