[Recognition and rehabilitation of impaired awareness of illness, i.e. anosognosia in a patient with cerebrovascular disease]

Abstract

The prevalence of anosognosia after stroke is approximately 30%. Anosognosia refers to the lack of awareness of illness or specific symptom of illness in patients with neurological diseases. Because stroke patients with anosognosia are not properly comprehending the nature of their medical situation, they may not seek treatment in time, which weakens patients' commitment to treatment and rehabilitation. Anosognosia also exposes patients to dangerous situations in daily life. Anosognosia is associated with poor functional outcome after stroke, which makes the early neuropsychological identification and treatment of anosognosia important.