Research Article

Functional abnormalities in the dyslexic brain: A quantitative meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies

  1. Fabio Richlan1,*,
  2. Martin Kronbichler1,2,
  3. Heinz Wimmer1

Article first published online: 13 MAR 2009

DOI: 10.1002/hbm.20752

Issue

Human Brain Mapping

Human Brain Mapping

Volume 30, Issue 10, pages 3299–3308, October 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Richlan, F., Kronbichler, M. and Wimmer, H. (2009), Functional abnormalities in the dyslexic brain: A quantitative meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies. Human Brain Mapping, 30: 3299–3308. doi: 10.1002/hbm.20752

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Psychology and Center for Neurocognitive Research, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria

  2. 2

    Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Clinic, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria

*Department of Psychology and Center for Neurocognitive Research, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, Salzburg 5020, Austria

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 11 SEP 2009
  2. Article first published online: 13 MAR 2009
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 20 JAN 2009
  4. Manuscript Revised: 9 JAN 2009
  5. Manuscript Received: 3 SEP 2008

Funded by

  • Austrian Science Foundation. Grant Number: P18832

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Keywords:

  • dyslexia;
  • reading;
  • magnetic resonance imaging;
  • positron-emission tomography;
  • cerebral cortex

Abstract

This study used foci from 17 original studies on functional abnormalities in the dyslexic brain to identify brain regions with consistent under- or overactivation. Studies were included when reading or reading-related tasks were performed on visually presented stimuli and when results reported coordinates for group differences. Activation likelihood estimation (ALE) was used for quantification. Maxima of underactivation were found in inferior parietal, superior temporal, middle and inferior temporal, and fusiform regions of the left hemisphere. With respect to left frontal abnormalities, we found underactivation in the inferior frontal gyrus to be accompanied by overactivation in the primary motor cortex and the anterior insula. Tentative functional interpretations of the activation abnormalities are provided. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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