Self-face processing in a callosotomy patient.
Self-face recognition is reserved for humans, apes and possibly dolphins and is thought to be a marker of self-awareness. Previous data have indicated that self-face recognition may be mediated via frontal right hemisphere circuits within the brain. Testing patient M.L., who underwent a total callosotomy, we found that when searching for the self-face in a series of morphs (composite facial images made up of his own and a famous face in inversely varying percentages) the patient made (i) more true-positive and (ii) fewer false-positive responses when responding with the right hemisphere (i.e. indicating with the left hand). There was no hand difference when searching for familiar faces. These data imply a right hemisphere processing advantage for self-faces.
Keenan
Julian Paul
JP
Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Dickson 225, Upper Montclair, NJ, 07304, USA. keenanj@mail.montclair.edu
Wheeler
Mark
M
Platek
Steven M
SM
Lardi
Gina
G
Lassonde
Maryse
M
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003337:Corpus Callosum / Q000601:surgery*; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D004532:Ego; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005145:Face; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D021641:Recognition, Psychology