[Syndrome of cerebral non-dominant hemisphere]

In this review the meaning of cerebral hemispheric function is discussed with special emphasis in non-dominant cerebral hemisphere and particularly in the lesion of commissural, association, projection of white matter fibers. Clinical characteristics depend on etiology, localization, extension and particularly the period of brain development. The following are common findings in these patients: left hemiplegia, abnormal prosody and non verbal communication, anomalies visiospatial perception, organization, and social interaction. Similar symptoms are also present in some developmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactive disorders and Asperger syndrome. We discuss seven cases of isquemic cerebrovascular accidents with the objective of demonstrating the more frequent and persistent findings in the acquired lesion. All patients had complete neurological and neuropsychological evaluation, and were followed up for more than two years. We conclude that motor sequel is less severe than cognitive and affective consequences.