Lack of orientation due to a congenital brain malformation: a case study

Neurocase. 2005 Dec;11(6):463-74. doi: 10.1080/13554790500423602.

Abstract

Topographical disorientation is usually described in patients who have lost the ability to orient themselves as a consequence of acquired focal brain damage. Here, we describe the case of a 20-year-old woman with a congenital brain malformation who has never been able to orient herself within the environment. We addressed in detail her ability to orient and navigate within the environment by administering a number of tasks in both ecological and experimental surroundings. The results indicate a complete inability to use any kind of strategy useful for orientation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain Damage, Chronic / etiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Motor Cortex / abnormalities*
  • Motor Cortex / physiopathology
  • Nervous System Malformations / complications*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Orientation*
  • Perceptual Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Perceptual Disorders / etiology
  • Somatosensory Cortex / abnormalities*
  • Somatosensory Cortex / physiopathology
  • Spatial Behavior*