Errors of somatosensory localisation in a patient with right-hemisphere stroke

Abstract

Following a right-hemisphere stroke, Patient NG could detect somatosensory stimulation that she was unable to localise. With vision precluded, NG systematically mislocalised touch on the little and ring finger of her affected left hand, and reported feeling this touch on the neighbouring rightward finger. This pattern of mislocalisation occurred not only when the Examiner administered touch but also when touch was self-administered. We manipulated the relative position of NG's two hands during sensory assessment of the affected hand. When NG's right hand was positioned to the left of her affected hand, NG exhibited improved localisation. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.