Conduction aphasia elicited by stimulation of the left posterior superior temporal gyrus

Abstract

Objective - Disruption of fascicular tracts that connect Wernicke's to Broca's areas is the classic mechanism of conduction aphasia. Later work has emphasised cortical mechanisms. Methods - To determine the distribution of language on dominant cortex, electrical cortical stimulation was performed using implanted subdural electrodes during brain mapping before epilepsy surgery. Results - A transient, isolated deficit in repetition was elicited with stimulation of the posterior portion of the dominant superior temporal gyrus. Conclusion - This finding suggests that cortical dysfunction, not just white matter disruption, can induce conduction aphasia.