Common neural circuit for semantic-based articulation of numbers and words: A case study of a patient with Broca's aphasia

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated that damage to Broca's area causes problems in phonological processing, but leaves semantic processing mostly preserved. The current investigation explored whether problems in phonological processing caused by injury to Broca's area extends to numbers. Patient LXM presented with an injury to the left anterior fronto-temporal cortex (including Broca's area). LXM completed a series of neuropsychological tests for general cognitive processing, mathematical processing, and language processing. LXM exhibited normal semantic processing but had difficulty in speech production for both words and numbers (e.g., reading characters and numbers, naming pictures, and reporting arithmetic facts). Broca's area is likely within the neuronal circuit governing semantic-based articulation of words and numbers. • This study provides direct evidence to support the association of phonological processes for numbers and words. • Systematic cognitive tests have been conducted, which clearly identify the deficits in phonological processes of patient. • The brain lesion is well documented with high-resolution MRI images.