A case of neglect. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boren, Rance A.
• Is Part Of: Cortex. Volume 154(2022)
• Page Start: 254
• Page End: 258
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Asomatognosia -- Historical neurology -- Stroke -- Andrew Johnson -- William Andrew Johnson; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Behavior -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.825
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.06.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0010-9452

Abstract

Abstract: In 1875 William Andrew Johnson, who had been formerly enslaved by Andrew Johnson and who subsequently served as his valet after being emancipated, was present when the former president suffered his fatal stroke. William's description of his deficits, as told decades later to journalist Ernie Pyle, appears to represent one of the earliest known cases of asomatognosia. The limited description of the symptoms provides a backdrop for a discussion of the evolution of knowledge regarding disorders of body awareness. This case also highlights the importance of caregivers as sources of clinical information and serves as a cautionary tale regarding the risk of marginalizing them due to cultural bias.