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Pathological left-handedness and preserved function associated with a slowly evolving brain tumor
C A Meyers1, S A Berman, A Hayman
1Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|December 1, 1992
Summary
This case study shows how the brain can recover after a large tumor. Neuropsychological functions improved significantly after surgery, suggesting brain plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Neuroscience
- Brain Plasticity
Background:
- A patient developed acquired left-handedness due to a massive brain tumor affecting the left temporal and posterior parietal lobes.
- Pre-operative assessment indicated impairment in non-verbal memory.
Observation:
- Serial neuropsychological evaluations were conducted over 31 and 66 months post-tumor resection.
- Cognitive functions were assessed to track recovery and adaptation.
Findings:
- Despite a massive brain tumor, the patient's cognitive functions recovered to the high-average to superior range post-surgery.
- This recovery suggests significant functional sparing and potential brain plasticity.
Implications:
- Slowly evolving lesions may lead to remarkable sparing of neuropsychological functions.
- Functional preservation might be mediated by the transfer of function to other brain areas.
- Factors like slow lesion growth, patient's youth, and lesion size may contribute to functional preservation.