Observation of figural reproductions of right temporal lobe epilepsy
(RTLE) patients have revealed overall configuration errors, whereas in
left temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE) patients, the global aspect of
performance is generally preserved. This study compared performance of
individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE, n = 83; RTLE,
n = 63) on a global/local modification of the Rey-Osterrieth
Complex Figure Test (RCFT). In Phase I, neuropsychologists (n =
6) and neuropsychology fellows (n = 3) completed a survey
identifying the global and local aspects of the RCFT. Questionnaire
responses were used to categorize a list of global and local items (five
global, five local) for re-scoring the protocols of TLE patients during
study Phase II. Results showed that the RTLE and LTLE groups were not
differentiated according to the global or local indices F(1,141)
= .385; p = not significant. There were lower local scores for
both groups in the copy F(1,142) = 5.23; p = .024,
immediate F(1,142) = 445.26; p < .001, and delay trials
F(1,142) = 427.82; p < .001, indicating less
retention of local information over time. Results suggest general declines
in figural memory for local stimulus properties in both unilateral TLE
groups. However, this relationship was weakened after controlling for
global and local item verbalizability. (JINS, 2006, 12,
383–390.)