Impaired non-motor learning and error detection associated with cerebellar damage. A single case study

Brain. 1992 Feb:115 Pt 1:155-78. doi: 10.1093/brain/115.1.155.

Abstract

A previously conducted positron emission tomography (PET) study of normal humans suggested that the cerebellum makes important non-motor contributions to language processing. Beginning with the task which produced right cerebellar PET activation, we studied a 49-yr-old male (RC1) with right cerebellar damage on a variety of tasks involving complex non-motor processing. Whereas RC1's performance on standard tests of memory, intelligence, 'frontal function' and language skills was excellent, he had profound deficits in two areas: (1) practice-related learning; (2) detection of errors. Considered in relation to cerebellar contributions to motor tasks, the results suggest some functions performed by the cerebellum may be generalized beyond a purely motor domain.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cerebellar Diseases / complications*
  • Cerebellar Diseases / psychology
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Learning Disabilities / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged