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agnosia
Pronunciation: ag-NOH-zhuh
Failure to recognize objects, people, sounds, shapes, or smells despite intact sensory function.
Full Definition
A neurological disorder characterized by the inability to recognize and identify familiar objects, persons, or sounds despite adequate sensory function and consciousness. Common types include visual agnosia (objects/faces), auditory agnosia (sounds), and tactile agnosia (touch). Typically results from damage to specific brain regions responsible for integrating sensory information with stored knowledge. Assessment involves systematic testing of recognition abilities across modalities.
Usage
Usage note: Multiple subtypes exist; specify the type and modality affected for clarity.
In Context
- "Visual agnosia prevented the patient from recognizing common household objects." — Neurological examination
- "Assessment revealed prosopagnosia, a specific type of visual agnosia affecting face recognition." — Diagnostic report
Also known as
recognition disorder
Contrasted with
normal recognition
gnosis
Don't confuse with
aphasia
apraxia
neglect