Side differences in writing to dictation of aphasics with agraphia: a Graphic Disconnection Syndrome

The performance of five aphasics with agraphia and right hemiplegia showing side differences in writing to dictation is reported on. It was found that writing with the paralyzed arm, supported by a writing aid, was better than writing with the left hand. In a control group of aphasics with agraphia, but without hemiplegia, such side differences were not found. The conclusion is drawn that in aphasia with hemiplegia the lesions intersect the path between the graphic region of the dominant hemisphere and the corpus callosum. Therefore the observed syndrome is termed "Graphic Disconnection Syndrome."