Problems with interhemispheric transfer of information in complete or partial agenesis of the corpus callosum.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the presence of poor interhemispheric communication in agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) and hydrocephalus.

METHODS

With specially designed tests, nine children with ACC were investigated and compared with 11 controls to see the degree of impairment present. Two subjects with a stretched corpus callosum due to hydrocephalus also were tested. A subject with the corpus callosum divided was tested for comparison.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found in tests of coordination and stereognosis both with ACC patients and the callosotomy subject. No impairments were found in the hydrocephalics.

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with controls, ACC patients perform poorly in several tests. The callosotomy patient also showed evidence of impairment similar to that of the ACC patients.