[The graphic disconnection syndrome]

A method is proposed for studying writing ability in both hands of agraphic aphasics with hemiplegia. In cases with agraphia performance when writing dictation was superior with the paralysed arm. Literal paragraphia was more frequent in the left hand and verbal paragraphia and perseveration were found exclusively on the left side. In a control group of aphasics with agraphia but without hemiplegia, these differences were not noted. It is concluded that this hitherto unknown phenomenon is caused by intersection of the path between the graphic region of the dominant hemisphere and the corpus callosum. Therefore the syndrome is termed "graphic disconnection syndrome".