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Review
. 2019 Apr 4;19(5):25.
doi: 10.1007/s11910-019-0940-0.

Update on the Clinical Approach to Spatial Neglect

A M Barrett  1 , K E Houston  2
Affiliations
Review

Update on the Clinical Approach to Spatial Neglect

A M Barrett et al. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Spatial neglect is asymmetric orienting and action after a brain lesion, causing functional disability. It is common after a stroke; however, it is vastly underdocumented and undertreated. This article addresses the implementation gap in identifying and treating spatial neglect, to reduce disability and improve healthcare costs and burden.

Recent findings: Professional organizations published recommendations to implement spatial neglect care. Physicians can lead an interdisciplinary team: functionally relevant spatial neglect assessment, evidence-based spatial retraining, and integrated spatial and vision interventions can optimize outcomes. Research also strongly suggests spatial neglect adversely affects motor systems. Spatial neglect therapy might thus "kick-start" rehabilitation and improve paralysis recovery. Clinicians can implement new techniques to detect spatial neglect and lead interdisciplinary teams to promote better, integrated spatial neglect care. Future studies of brain imaging biomarkers to detect spatial neglect, and real-world applicability of prism adaptation treatment, are needed.

Keywords: Brain network activation; Cognitive rehabilitation; Functional brain imaging; Implementation science; Prism adaptation treatment; Right brain; Spatial neglect.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Kevin Houston declares no potential conflict of interest.

References

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    1. Barrett AM. Perceptual-attentional “where” and motor-intentional “aiming” spatial bias. In: Chatterjee A, Coslett HB, editors. The roots of cognitive neuroscience: behavioral neurology and neuropsychology New York: Oxford University Press; 2013.