dysphasia (sensory, receptive, Wernicke's)
Last reviewed 01/2018
A sensory dysphasia is caused by a lesion of the dominant temporoparietal cortex - specifically Wernicke's area - in the posterior part of the first temporal gyru.
Sensory dysphasia is characterised by:
- the patient has trouble understanding what has been said to them, e.g. they are unable to execute commands, such as: "When I clap my hands, and not before, touch your left ear with your right hand". Note that the command must be delivered with no non-verbal communication. Also, beware of hemiplegia.
- the patient's speech is fluent but disorganised.
- if the lesion is posterior to Wernicke's area, it may cause dyslexia.