corpus callosum signs
Last reviewed 01/2018
Space-occupying lesions in the corpus callosum yield a distinctive clinical picture.
Mental symptoms are prominent and typically the first to be noticed. Common features are apathy, drowsiness and defect of memory; depression and anxiety may be present. Epileptic convulsions may occur.
An expanding lesion may lead to other symptoms depending upon the tissue affected:
- midline lesions extending laterally to the central white matter may damage the corticospinal tracts
- anterior lesions extending into the frontal lobes may cause a unilateral or bilateral grasp reflex
- interruption of cortical callosal fibres linking related parts of the two hemispheres may produce apraxia