Mirror-reading and writing in association with right-left spatial disorientation

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1980 Sep;43(9):774-80. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.43.9.774.

Abstract

A left-handed patient suddenly developed a right hemiparesis, mirror-reading, and mirror-writing. Although he could discriminate between right and left on himself, he demonstrated right/left spatial disorientation. We propose that his right/left spatial disorientation was induced by a scanning defect. It has been demonstrated that mirror-image engrams are normally available. We believe that a reversal of the learned left-to-right scanning process with the availability of mirror engrams induced mirror-reading. Similarly, reversal of the normal left-to-right writing pattern, with the availability of mirror engrams, induced mirror-writing.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Dominance, Cerebral / physiology*
  • Hemiplegia / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orientation / physiology*