Anosognosia for Hemiplegia as a tripartite disconnection syndrome

Abstract

The rare syndrome of Anosognosia for Hemiplegia (AHP) can provide unique insights into the neurocognitive processes of motor awareness. Yet, prior studies have only explored predominately discreet lesions. Using advanced structural neuroimaging methods in 174 patients with a right-hemisphere stroke, we were able to identify three neural networks that contribute to AHP, when disconnected: the (1) premotor loop (2) limbic system, and (3) ventral attention network. Our results suggest that human motor awareness is contingent on the joint contribution of these three systems.