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Auditory temporal processing deficits in patients with insular stroke.
D-E Bamiou1, F E Musiek, I Stow
1Neuro-otology Department, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK. dbamiou@ion.ucl.ac.uk
Neurology
|August 23, 2006
Summary
Stroke affecting the insula can impair central auditory processing, particularly temporal sequencing and resolution. These deficits were observed even when auditory areas were spared, suggesting direct insular involvement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Neurology
Background:
- The insula plays a role in auditory processing.
- Central auditory function can be affected by stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate central auditory function in patients with insular stroke.
- To identify specific auditory deficits related to insular lesions.
Main Methods:
- Eight patients with insular stroke and eight controls underwent pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, and a central auditory test battery.
- Tests included dichotic digits, duration pattern, frequency pattern, and gaps in noise.
- Clinical and neuropsychological data were collected.
Main Results:
- All controls performed normally on central auditory tests.
- Temporal tests were abnormal in all stroke patients, regardless of lesion extent.
- Gaps in noise test abnormalities were contralateral or bilateral depending on lesion location.
- Deficits did not correlate with acute cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- Insular lesions can significantly impact central auditory function.
- Temporal resolution and sequencing are particularly vulnerable to insular damage.
- Findings align with neuroimaging evidence of insular involvement in auditory processing.