The effects of cerebellar ataxia on sign language production: a case study.

Abstract

Speech and sign production both require precise coordination of multiple articulators. The characteristics of dysarthria following ataxia have been well-documented, but less is known about the consequences of ataxia for sign language, which uses the hands and arms as articulators. This is the first study to examine ataxic dysarthria in a sign language user. What is novel in this research is that the limbs are employed for both linguistic and non-linguistic movements. Notably, sign production deficits broadly resembled ataxic dysarthria, while non-linguistic movement deficits were similar to those previously reported for ataxic limb movement.

• Authors: Martha E Tyrone, Joanna R Atkinson, Jane Marshall, Bencie Woll
• Journal: Neurocase (Neurocase) Vol. 15 Issue 5 Pg. 419-26 (Oct 2009) ISSN: 1465-3656 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19585353 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Cerebellar Ataxia
• Dysarthria
• Humans
• Language Tests
• Linguistics
• Male
• Motor Activity
• Sign Language