Issue 3/4 Vol. 37 1995

Impairment of simple and complex motor function after cortical lesions

SCHNITZLER, A., FREUND, H.-J.

Cortical representation of motor functions in man is attributed to various frontal and parietal areas. Inferences on the functional significance have been drawn from abnormalities in motor behaviour following localised lesions of these areas. In this paper a survey of motor deficits occurring after lesions of cortical sensorimotor areas will be presented. Recent application of new paradigms and methods have provided a more detailed characterisation of motor deficits than that based on clinical observation and neurological examination alone. Thus, our knowledge about the functions of various motor cortical areas has been considerably increased. In addition to the results of human lesion studies cerebral blood flow and electrophysiological measurements in healthy human subjects, as well as neurophysiological and neuroanatomical animal studies will be included in this review. These investigations provide complementary information with regard to our understanding of cortical representation of motor function.

Keywords: motor cortical areas, cortical lesions, electrophysiological investigation, electrophysiological measurement

Short Title: Schnitzler, A. (1995) PsyBeit 3-4:687

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