Optic ataxia following unilateral stroke.

Five patients with optic ataxia together with tactile apraxia are described. They also demonstrated difficulty in finger movements under visual guidance. The CT scan showed lesions in the posterior parietal region in three and in two they were located anteriorly. It is well recognised that lesions in the posterior parietal area may cause disruption of visual guided movements. On the basis of the two cases it is postulated that the same phenomenon could occur with lesions located more anteriorly. The assumption is that optic ataxia may occur either following damage to the parieto-occipital region or to disruption of its occipitofrontal connections.