Parietal lobes

Two regions

The parietal lobes can be divided into two regions. One involves sensation and perception and the other is concerned with integrating sensory input, primarily with the visual system.

The first function integrates sensory information to form a single perception. The second function constructs a spatial coordinate system to represent the world around.

Damage to a child’s left parietal lobe can result in what is called "Gerstmann's Syndrome." It includes right-left confusion, difficulty with writing and difficulty with mathematics. It can also produce disorders of language and the inability to perceive objects normally.

Damage to the right parietal lobe can result in neglecting part of the body or space, which can impair many self-care skills such as dressing and washing. Right side damage can also cause difficulty in making things, denial of deficits and drawing ability.

Bi-lateral damage can cause "Balint's Syndrome," a visual attention and motor syndrome. This is characterised by the inability to voluntarily control the gaze, inability to integrate components of a visual scene, and the inability to accurately reach for an object with visual guidance.

Left parietal-temporal lesions can affect verbal memory and the ability to recall strings of digits.