Question

Two-year-old Mikhail has no trouble recognizing people’s voices but seems to have difficulty recognizing faces. However, the boy has no problem recognizing inanimate objects on sight and, for example, distinguishing his favorite toys from other toys. Confused and concerned, the parents take the child to a pediatrician. What condition might the doctor suspect?

Answer 1

Answer: Prosopagnosia or face blindness

Explanation:

The pediatrician will most likely think about prosopagnosia which is also referred to as face blindness.

This is a condition which prevents one from recognizing faces as a result of distortion of the fusiform gyrus. This however does not prevent recognition of inanimate objects and auditory functions are also o preserved.

This condition can either be acquired or congenital with the acquired form as a result of trauma to the brain and is mostly seen in adults.

The congenital form is as a result of developmental abnormality involving the fusiform gyrus and mostly seen in children.

Only little is known as regards treatment.