Crossed aphasia: Two new cases

Abstract

Crossed aphasia is caused by a right-hemisphere lesion in a right-handed person. Although this unusual language lateralisation pattern is a defining characteristic, there is disagreement among authors on additional diagnostic criteria. In addition, there is a significant amount of variability between patients as to the associated symptomatology, such as the presence of apraxic or visuospatial signs. Because of the rarity of crossed aphasia, the understanding of this clinical entity depends entirely on the analysis of published case studies. This paper presents two new cases of crossed aphasia, and discusses the major issues related to crossed aphasia diagnosis and symptomatology. Procedures for the assessment of crossed aphasia patients are also suggested.