LEFT HEMISPHERE DYSFUNCTION AFFECTS DICHOTIC LISTENING IN PATIENTS WITH TEMPORAL LOBE EPILEPSY

Abstract

This study evaluated the relative effect of left hemisphere dysfunction and side of seizure onset on dichotic listening performance in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and left hemisphere speech dominance. Seventeen patients were divided into groups based on side of seizure onset and based on scores on a composite measure revealing left hemisphere dysfunction. The group with left hemisphere dysfunction had more correct responses from the left ear, and a left ear advantage, on dichotic listening. The group with normal left hemisphere function showed the expected right ear advantage. Side of seizure onset did not affect dichotic listening performance significantly.­­

Keywords:

• dichotic listening
• lateralization
• neuropsychology
• temporallobe epilepsy