Gerstmann syndrome

Question 1

what is Gersmann syndrome?

Answer 1

A neuropsychological disorder
Arising as a result of disease of the dominant parietal lobe at the angular gyrus
The angular gyrus is a region of the brain in the parietal lobe, that lies near the superior edge of the temporal lobe, and immediately posterior to the supramarginal gyrus
It is involved in a number of processes related to:
Language
Number processing and spatial cognition
Memory retrieval
Attention
Theory of mind
* Cause: stroke or damage to the parietal lobe.
Cause in children not known.

Question 2

Symptoms of Gerstmann syndrome?

Answer 2

1. Dysgraphia/agraphia: deficiency in the ability to write
2. Dyscalculia/acalculia: difficulty in learning or comprehending mathematics
3. Finger agnosia: inability to distinguish the fingers on the hand
4. Left-right disorientation

• Adults can also have Aphasia: difficulty expressing themselves when speaking.
• Children can have constructional Apraxia : difficulty coping simple drawings.

Question 3

Diagnosis and Treatment of Gerstmann syndrome ?

Answer 3

There is no cure for Gerstmann syndrome.
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Occupational and speech therapies may help diminish the dysgraphia and apraxia.
In addition, calculators and word processors may help school children cope with the symptoms of the disorder.
Diagnosis: if cause is stroke a MRI will show