Perceptual remediation in patients with right brain damage: a comprehensive program

Abstract

This study provided a comprehensive program to treat visual perceptual disturbances associated with right brain damage (RBD). Three types of previously evaluated perceptual remediation were integrated into a sequentially administered remediation program: basic visual scanning, somatosensory awareness and size estimation training, and complex visual perceptual organization. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the immediate (at rehabilitation discharge) and long-term (four months after discharge) effects of this treatment program on patients with RBD. The effects of treatment on ADL and mood state were also examined. Seventy-seven RBD stroke rehabilitation inpatients were studied--including 48 Experimental (E) and 29 Control (C). At rehabilitation discharge, the E group relative to the C group showed greater gains in all three types of perceptual functioning. Four months after discharge from rehabilitation, the C group continued to show gains in perceptual functioning while the E group had reached a plateau. Longitudinal decreases in levels of self-reported anxiety and hostility, but not depression, were noted only for the E group.