Neuropsychological Implications of Rhythm and Aphasia Deficits After Unilateral Left Hemisphere Injuries

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate changes in rhythm skills independent of any right hemisphere dysfunction and in relationship to verbal deficits which accompany left hemisphere injuries. Thirty-five individuals injured in the left hemisphere were divided into three groups on the basis of their scores on the Seashore Rhythm Test and the Reitan-Indiana Aphasia Screening Test. The three groups were then compared on 21 measures taken from the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Results of one-way analyses of variance indicated that 8 measures, commonly associated with left hemisphere problems, differentiated the three groups while 13 measures, commonly associated with right hemisphere or diffuse problems, did not. The findings were interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that rhythm deficits may occur independent of right hemisphere injury. The results also indicated that rhythm deficits are useful in localizing left hemisphere injuries.