Clinical implications of a neuropsychological approach to aphasia

Abstract

This paper deals with the clinical implications arising out of a study designed to evaluate Luria's approach to the cerebral organisation of higher mental functions such as language. The research took the form of four in-depth case studies of aphasic patients and involved a comparison of neuropsychological predictions as to the site-of-lesion with radiological findings (cranial computerised tomographic scanning). Correspondence was felt to be good in most instances, indicating that Luria's theory provides a valid framework within which to relate clinical symptomatology and focal brain damage. The fact that Luria places clinical practice on a firm theoretical foundation is seen as being advantageous and is discussed in relation to assessment and therapy.