Developmental Gerstmann syndrome: case report and review of the literature

The tetrad of finger agnosia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and right-left confusion constitutes the Gerstmann syndrome (GS). A case of developmental Gerstmann syndrome (DGS) that occurred in a normal, highly intelligent child with exceptional reading skills is reported, together with a review of the literature. DGS occurs in both brain-damaged and seemingly normal children. Multiple neurological and behavioral manifestations coexisting with the Gerstmann elements suggest brain injury, whereas the occurrence of the Gerstmann tetrad (plus constructional apraxia) in an otherwise normal and intelligent child implies what is herein referred to as "constitutional." The scarcity of reported cases indicates the rarity of the syndrome in children. Routine testing for the Gerstmann elements in learning-disabled children may uncover unrecognized cases.