The Broca-Wernicke Doctrine

A Historical and Clinical Perspective on Localization of Language Functions

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Surgery, Neurosurgery, Specialties, Internal Medicine, Neuroscience
Cover of the book The Broca-Wernicke Doctrine by Geert-Jan Rutten, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Geert-Jan Rutten ISBN: 9783319546339
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: July 4, 2017
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Geert-Jan Rutten
ISBN: 9783319546339
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: July 4, 2017
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This book discusses theories that link functions to specific anatomical brain regions. The best known of these are the Broca and Wernicke regions, and these have become synonyms for the location of productive and receptive language functions respectively. This Broca-Wernicke model has proved to be such a powerful concept that is remains the predominant view in modern clinical practice. What is fascinating, however, is that there is little evidence for this strictly localist view on language functions. Modern neuroscience and numerous clinical observations in individual patients show that language functions are represented in complex and ever-changing neural networks. It is fair to say that the model is wrong, and that Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas in their classic forms do not exist.

This is a fascinating paradox: why do neurologists and neurosurgeons continue to use these iconic language models in everyday decision-making? In this book, the author uses his background as a neurosurgeon and a neuroscientist to provide some answers to this question. 

The book acquaints clinicians and researchers with the many different aspects of language representation in the brain. It provides a historical overview of functional localisation, as well as insights into the misjudgements that have kept the localist doctrine alive. It creates an awareness of the need to integrate clinical observations and neuroscientific theories if we want to progress further in clinical language research and patient care.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book discusses theories that link functions to specific anatomical brain regions. The best known of these are the Broca and Wernicke regions, and these have become synonyms for the location of productive and receptive language functions respectively. This Broca-Wernicke model has proved to be such a powerful concept that is remains the predominant view in modern clinical practice. What is fascinating, however, is that there is little evidence for this strictly localist view on language functions. Modern neuroscience and numerous clinical observations in individual patients show that language functions are represented in complex and ever-changing neural networks. It is fair to say that the model is wrong, and that Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas in their classic forms do not exist.

This is a fascinating paradox: why do neurologists and neurosurgeons continue to use these iconic language models in everyday decision-making? In this book, the author uses his background as a neurosurgeon and a neuroscientist to provide some answers to this question. 

The book acquaints clinicians and researchers with the many different aspects of language representation in the brain. It provides a historical overview of functional localisation, as well as insights into the misjudgements that have kept the localist doctrine alive. It creates an awareness of the need to integrate clinical observations and neuroscientific theories if we want to progress further in clinical language research and patient care.

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Interpreting Health Benefits and Risks by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Information Society Development through ICT Market Strategies by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Peyronie’s Disease by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Laboratory Hemostasis by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Cyber Physical Systems. Model-Based Design by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Tomorrow's Learning: Involving Everyone. Learning with and about Technologies and Computing by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Examining Mental Health through Social Constructionism by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Mechanics of Additive and Advanced Manufacturing, Volume 8 by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book The Business of Geriatrics by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Advanced Materials by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Migrant Writers and Urban Space in Italy by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Transfusion in the Intensive Care Unit by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Fuzzy Logic for Image Processing by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Foot Steps of the Ancient Great Glacier of North America by Geert-Jan Rutten
Cover of the book Analysis of Large and Complex Data by Geert-Jan Rutten
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy