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Speech and language disturbances due to subcortical lesions
Marcia Radanovic1, Milberto Scaff
1Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil. radano@tecway.com.br
Brain and Language
|March 29, 2003
Summary
Subcortical lesions in the basal ganglia and thalamus can cause language and speech problems. Thalamic lesions are linked to naming and comprehension deficits, possibly due to memory and attention issues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurolinguistics
- Cognitive Neurology
Background:
- Neuroimaging advances have spurred research into subcortical structures' cognitive roles.
- Subcortical structures, including basal ganglia and thalamus, are increasingly recognized for their influence on cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate language and speech disturbances in patients with subcortical lesions.
- To differentiate the effects of basal ganglia versus thalamic lesions on linguistic functions.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 16 patients with subcortical lesions (9 basal ganglia, 7 thalamus) using CT, MRI, and SPECT.
- Administered the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, Boston Naming Test, and Token Test for language assessment.
Main Results:
- Patients with basal ganglia lesions showed predominant motor-articulatory alterations.
- Thalamic lesions were associated with a higher frequency of language alterations, particularly in naming and auditory comprehension.
- Verbal memory and attentional impairments may underlie thalamic lesion-related deficits.
Conclusions:
- Subcortical lesions significantly impact language and speech functions.
- Lesion location (basal ganglia vs. thalamus) influences the type of deficit observed.
- Cortical hypoperfusion suggests potential co-occurring cortical dysfunction.
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