View source for Gerstmann syndrome

{{Infobox_Disease |
  Name           = {{PAGENAME}} |
  Image          = Gray728.svg |
  Caption        = Principal fissures and lobes of the cerebrum viewed laterally. ([[Parietal lobe]] is shown in yellow) |
  DiseasesDB     = 30728 |
  ICD10          = {{ICD10|F|81|2|f|80}} |
  ICD9           = {{ICD9|784.69}} |
  ICDO           = |
  OMIM           = |
  MedlinePlus    = |
  eMedicineSubj  = |
  eMedicineTopic = |
}}

{{CMG}}



'''Gerstmann syndrome''' is a [[neurology|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]].)

==Primary symptoms==
Gerstmann syndrome is characterized by four primary symptoms:
# [[Dysgraphia]]/agraphia
# [[Dyscalculia]]/acalculia
# [[Finger agnosia]]
# Left-right disorientation

==Causes==
This disorder is often associated with [[brain]] lesions in the dominant (usually left) side of the [[angular gyrus| angular]] and [[supramarginal gyrus| supramarginal gyri]] near the [[temporal lobe| 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.

==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 communication|speech]], or in [[reading (activity)|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, [[calculator]]s and [[word processor]]s 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. 

==Sources==
* {{NINDS|gerstmanns}}

==External links==
* {{WhoNamedIt|synd|2267}}
* {{GPnotebook|-1315307497}}

{{Mental and behavioural disorders}}

[[Category:Neurological disorders]]

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[[it:Sindrome di Gerstmann]]
[[nl:Syndroom van Gerstmann]]

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