Cognitive deficits associated with optic aphasia: Neuropsychological contribution to a differential diagnosis

• Published in: Dementia & neuropsychologia Vol. 2; no. 2; pp. 151 - 154
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, Melissa de Almeida, Adda, Carla Cristina, Lucia, Mara Cristina de Souza, Scaff, Milberto, Miotto, Eliane Correa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Associação de Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento 01-06-2008; Associação Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento
• Subjects: Case Report; CLINICAL NEUROLOGY; differential diagnosis; GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY; HEALTH CARE SCIENCES & SERVICES; MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL; neuropsychological assessment; NURSING; optic aphasia; PSYCHIATRY; PSYCHOLOGY; differential diagnosis; neuropsychological assessment; optic aphasia; afasia óptica; diagnóstico diferencial; avaliação neuropsicológica
• ISSN: 1980-5764; 1980-5764
• DOI: 10.1590/S1980-57642009DN20200013

Optic aphasia is characterized by a deficit in naming objects presented visually, as a result of left occipito-temporal lesion. It differs from other neuropsychological disorders due to the nature of the deficits and impairment of cognitive function. A 52 year-old patient, admitted after an episode of sub-acute infarction in the territory of the left posterior cerebral artery involving the temporo-occipital region, was submitted to neuropsychological evaluation as part of a diagnostic investigation and presented specific characteristics of this disorder, as well as impairment to episodic memory. The relevance of the present case is justified not only due to the rarity of the disorder, but also because it highlights the importance of differential diagnosis in the treatment of patients.