Modulation of somatoparaphrenia following left-hemisphere damage

Neurocase. 2017 Apr;23(2):162-170. doi: 10.1080/13554794.2017.1329444. Epub 2017 May 17.

Abstract

Somatoparaphrenic symptoms after left-hemisphere damage are rare. To verify the potential role of body-related sensory (proprioceptive, visual, and somatosensory) manipulation in patients experiencing sensations of hand disownership, the symptoms of a patient suffering from right-hand somatoparaphrenia were monitored and clinical and neuropsychological variables were controlled. Four types of manipulation were administered: changes in spatial position of the hand, multisensory stimulation, and self-observation using video or mirrors. Multisensory visuo-tactile stimulation was efficacious in terms of reducing somatoparaphrenia, and changes in the position of the hand produced some positive effects. Third-person perspective self-observation did not, however, result in any changes.

Keywords: Disturbed sensation of limb ownership; Gertmann’s syndrome; body awareness; rehabilitation; somatoparaphrenia after a left-hemisphere lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation
  • Aged
  • Agnosia / diagnostic imaging
  • Agnosia / etiology*
  • Body Image
  • Brain Injuries / complications*
  • Brain Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Proprioception / physiology*
  • Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed