INFORMATION ON GERSTMANN'S SYNDROME

Gerstmann's syndrome may be defined as neurological disorder which is characterized by four primary symptoms:
1. Inability to distinguish right from left, and an inability to identify fingers.
2. Writing disability.
3. Lack of understanding of the rules for calculation or arithmetic.

CAUSES OF GERSTMANN’S SYNDROME

The events which are responsible for the development of Gerstmann's syndrome are:-

1. Bleeding into brain during stroke.
2. Bleeding into brain after traumatic brain injury.
3. Viral encephalitis.
4. Tumor.
5. Toxic exposure.

SYMPTOMS OF GERSTMANN’S SYNDROME

The various symptoms that are shown by subjects with Gerstmann's syndrome are:-

1. An inability or impairment in the ability to express oneself through the written word.
2. An inability to perform basic calculations.
3. Difficulty identifying the left or right of one's body or of other objects.
4. An inability to identify one's own or someone else's finger on the basis of a verbal command to hold up a particular finger.
5. Poor handwriting, difficulty spelling, reading problems, and difficulty copying simple drawings.

TREATMENT OF GERSTMANN’S SYNDROME

So far there is no cure for Gerstmann's syndrome. But one can follow symptomatic and supportive method of treatment. Occupational and speech therapies can help to diminish Dysgraphia and Apraxia. In addition, calculators and word processors may help school children cope with the symptoms of the disorder.