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Astereognosis – Parietal Lobe — SCE Neurology MCQ

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ModerateCerebrovascular DiseaseAstereognosis – Parietal LobeSCE Neurology

A 60-year-old man with an ischaemic stroke affecting the right parietal lobe has difficulty recognising objects by touch using his left hand, despite intact primary sensory modalities (light touch, temperature, pain, proprioception). He cannot identify the shape, size, or texture of objects placed in his left hand with eyes closed. What is this deficit called?

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Correct answer: D — Astereognosis (tactile agnosia)

Astereognosis (tactile agnosia) is the inability to identify objects by touch despite intact primary sensory modalities. It results from damage to the somatosensory association cortex (parietal lobe). The patient can feel the object (sensation is intact) but cannot integrate the tactile information to recognise it. It is tested by placing familiar objects in the hand with eyes closed. B: Neglect is attentional — the patient fails to attend to the left side. C: Peripheral neuropathy would impair primary sensation. D: Apraxia is inability to perform motor actions. E: Ataxia is incoordination.

Reference: Clinical Neuroanatomy