Characterization of the basal temporal language area in patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy

T. H. Burnstine, R. P. Lesser, J. Hart, S. Uematsu, S. J. Zinreich, G. L. Krauss, R. S. Fisher, E. P G Vining, B. Gordon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

130 Scopus citations

Abstract

We evaluated 5 consecutive patients with subdural grid electrodes (including placement over the left basal temporal region) for focal resections for control of intractable epilepsy. All 5 had language dysftinction when we performed cortical stimulation over the basal temporal region (the inferior temporal gyrus, the fusiform gyrus, or the parahippocampal gyrus) using a systematic battery of language tests. The area in which language interference could be produced began from at least 11 to 35 mm posterior to the temporal tip and ended at least 39 to 74 mm posterior to the temporal tip. The most consistently impaired language tasks were spontaneous speech and passage reading, but there was impairment of all language functions tested in some patients. Language deficits after dominant temporal lobectomy may result from resection of this area.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)966-970
Number of pages5
JournalNeurology
Volume40
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1990

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology

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