Following [[France|French]] [[neuroanatomist]] [[Paul Broca]]'s publication of his findings on [[language]] deficits caused by damage to the frontal lobe area of the brain now known as [[Broca's area]], Wernicke began pursuing his own research into the effects of brain disease on [[speech]] and [[language]]. Wernicke discovered that damage to the left posterior region of the brain resulted in deficits in language comprehension. In 1874 at the age of 26, he published his results in ''The Aphasic Symptom Complex'' a book which propelled him to international fame<ref>http://www.uic.edu/depts/mcne/founders/page0101.html</ref>.
Later, Wernicke also described a [[pain]]ful psychogenic [[muscle]] [[cramp]] precipitated by [[anxiety]] or [[fear]] which became known as [[Wernicke's cramp]]<ref>http://www.whonamedit.com/synd.cfm/889.html</ref>.
Wernicke died June 15, 1905, [[Dörrberg im Geratal]], Thüringer Wald, Germany following injuries received in a [[bicycle]] accident<ref>http://www.whonamedit.com/doctor.cfm/927.html</ref>.