Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Digital Handwriting Analysis of Characters in Chinese Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
05:58

Digital Handwriting Analysis of Characters in Chinese Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published on: March 11, 2021

Post graphemic impairments of writing: the case of micrographia

Gianfranco Denes1, Matteo Signorini, Chiara Volpato

  • 1Department of Neurology, Venice Hospital and Department of Science of Language, Ca' Foscari Venice University, Italy. denes@unive.it

Neurocase
|July 12, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Micrographia, a writing impairment, can occur after brain injury, not just degenerative diseases. This case shows isolated micrographia following traumatic brain injury affecting the basal ganglia.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Micrographia (MG) is typically associated with neurodegenerative basal ganglia disorders like Parkinson's Disease.
  • Previous reports of MG without extrapyramidal signs often link to vascular lesions in the left basal ganglia.

Observation:

  • This study details a rare case of isolated micrographia.
  • The patient experienced an extensive traumatic cerebral lesion primarily affecting the left basal ganglia.

Findings:

  • The observed micrographia was not linked to typical neurodegenerative conditions.
  • The impairment was analyzed using a cognitive model of writing.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known causes of micrographia beyond neurodegeneration.
  • It suggests traumatic brain injury to the basal ganglia can cause specific peripheral dysgraphia.
  • Understanding the cognitive underpinnings of writing impairments is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

More Related Videos

A Tablet-Based Curriculum-Based Measurement Protocol for Kindergarten Writing15:00

A Tablet-Based Curriculum-Based Measurement Protocol for Kindergarten Writing

Published on: February 7, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Learning Disabilities01:25

Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Visual Agnosia01:12

Visual Agnosia

Visual agnosia is a condition characterized by the inability to recognize visually presented objects despite having normal vision. For instance, a person with visual agnosia can describe the shape and color of an object but cannot identify or name it. This impairment does not affect their visual field, acuity, color vision, brightness discrimination, language, or memory. An example of this condition in a social setting is someone at a dinner party asking for "that silver thing with a round end"...
Language and Cognition01:27

Language and Cognition

Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...