Gerstmann Syndrome

Gerstmann syndrome is a neurological disorder that is characterized by a constellation of symptoms that suggests the presence of a lesion in a particular area of the brain. (It should not be confused with Gerstmann-Straussler syndrome, which is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.)

It is named for Josef Gerstmann.

Primary symptoms

Gerstmann syndrome is characterized by four primary symptoms:

1. Dysgraphia/agraphia: deficiency in the ability to write
2. Dyscalculia/acalculia: difficulty in learning or comprehending mathematics
3. Finger agnosia: inability to distinguish the fingers on the hand
4. Left-right disorientation

Causes

This disorder is often associated with brain lesions in the dominant (usually left) hemisphere including the angular and supramarginal gyri near the temporal and parietal lobe junction. There is significant debate in the scientific literature as to whether Gerstmann Syndrome truly represents a unified, theoretically motivated syndrome. Thus its diagnostic utility has been questioned by neurologists and neuropsychologists alike. The angular gyrus is generally involved in translating visual patterns of letter and words into meaningful information, such as is done while reading.

In adults

In adults, the syndrome may occur after a stroke or in association with damage to the parietal lobe.

In addition to exhibiting the above symptoms, many adults also experience aphasia, which is a difficulty in expressing oneself when speaking, in understanding speech, or in reading and writing.

In children

There are few reports of the syndrome, sometimes called developmental Gerstmann syndrome, in children. The cause is not known. Most cases are identified when children reach school age, a time when they are challenged with writing and math exercises. Generally, children with the disorder exhibit poor handwriting and spelling skills, and difficulty with math functions, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. An inability to differentiate right from left and to discriminate among individual fingers may also be apparent. In addition to the four primary symptoms, many children also suffer from constructional apraxia, an inability to copy simple drawings. Frequently, there is also an impairment in reading. Children with a high level of intellectual functioning as well as those with brain damage may be affected with the disorder.

Treatment

There is no cure for Gerstmann syndrome. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Occupational and speech therapies may help diminish the dysgraphia and apraxia. In addition, calculators and word processors may help school children cope with the symptoms of the disorder.

Prognosis

In adults, many of the symptoms diminish over time. Although it has been suggested that in children symptoms may diminish over time, it appears likely that most children probably do not overcome their deficits, but learn to adjust to them.

References

1. ^ synd/2267 at Who Named It?

Sources

• gerstmanns at NINDS

Gerstmann's syndrome (www.whonamedit.com)

Gerstmann's syndrome: Gyrus angularis syndrome with right-left disorientation. Also known as: Gerstmann syndrome II,Syndrome de Gerstmann (French),Gerstmann-Badal syndrome.

...

Special Needs, Gerstmann Syndrome Support Network

Gerstmann Syndrome Support Network. Internet Special Education Resources Special Education & Learning Disabilities Resources: A Nationwide Directory

...

Gerstmann Syndrome - Developmental Gerstmann Syndrome - information ...

A disorder of cognition characterized by the tetrad of finger agnosia, dysgraphi...

...

Gerstmann syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gerstmann syndrome is a neurological disorder that is characterized by a constellation of symptoms that suggests the presence of a lesion in a particular area of the brain.

...

Gerstmann's Syndrome: risks, cause, treatment, complications, long ...

What is Gerstmann's Syndrome? Gerstmann's syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by four primary symptoms: a writing disability, a lack of understanding of the ...

...

Gerstmann's Syndrome Information Page: National Institute of ...

Gerstmann's Syndrome information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

...

Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker syndrome - Wikipedia, the free ...

Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker syndrome (GSS) is a very rare, usually familial, fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects patients from 20 to 60 years in age.

...

CIGNA - Gerstmann Syndrome

General Discussion. Gerstmann syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that can occur as the result of a brain injury or as a developmental disorder.

...

Gerstmann Syndrome

Gerstmann syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that can occur as the result of a brain injury or as a developmental disorder. The syndrome is characterized by the loss or ...

...

Gerstmann Syndrome

Important It is possible that the main title of the report Gerstmann Syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and ...

...