Hemispatial Neglect

Definition

Hemispatial neglect is a cognitive disorder characterized by an inability to attend to stimuli on one side of space, typically affecting the left side after damage to the right hemisphere of the brain. This condition often arises following a stroke or traumatic brain injury and highlights the functional organization of the cerebral cortex, particularly how the two hemispheres process spatial awareness and attention differently. Individuals with hemispatial neglect may fail to notice objects, people, or events on their neglected side, which significantly impacts their daily life and interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hemispatial neglect commonly occurs after damage to the right parietal lobe, which is responsible for integrating sensory information from both sides of the body.
2. Patients with hemispatial neglect may exhibit behaviors such as eating only food from one side of their plate or failing to groom one side of their body.
3. This condition is not due to a lack of sensation; patients can often physically sense stimuli on their neglected side but fail to acknowledge them cognitively.
4. Rehabilitation techniques, including visual scanning training, can help improve attention and awareness on the neglected side for those affected by hemispatial neglect.
5. Hemispatial neglect can coexist with other cognitive disorders, such as apraxia and anosognosia, further complicating patient care and recovery.

Review Questions

• How does hemispatial neglect reflect the functional organization of the cerebral cortex in terms of spatial awareness?
  • Hemispatial neglect highlights how the right hemisphere is primarily responsible for spatial attention and awareness. When this area is damaged, it disrupts the ability to process stimuli from the left side of space. This condition emphasizes that each hemisphere has specialized roles; while both contribute to overall perception, the right hemisphere is particularly vital for recognizing and attending to elements in our environment, showing how localized brain functions relate to cognitive disorders.
• Discuss the implications of hemispatial neglect for patient rehabilitation and daily functioning.
  • Hemispatial neglect poses significant challenges for rehabilitation efforts, as patients may be unaware of their deficits and unable to engage fully in therapy. This lack of awareness can hinder progress in recovery since they might not recognize tasks that require attention on their neglected side. Effective rehabilitation strategies must incorporate methods to raise awareness and encourage active engagement with both sides of their environment, highlighting the necessity for tailored approaches based on individual patient needs.
• Evaluate the relationship between hemispatial neglect and other cognitive deficits in individuals with right hemisphere damage.
  • Individuals with hemispatial neglect often experience co-occurring cognitive deficits such as apraxia or anosognosia. This interplay complicates diagnosis and treatment because the presence of multiple impairments can obscure specific symptoms of hemispatial neglect. Understanding this relationship is crucial; for example, a patient might deny their disability due to anosognosia while also ignoring stimuli on one side due to neglect. Evaluating these connections allows clinicians to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address all aspects of a patient's cognitive health.

Related terms

Spatial Attention: The ability to focus on specific locations in space while ignoring others, essential for navigating and understanding our environment.

Contralateral Neglect: A term used interchangeably with hemispatial neglect, referring to the neglect of stimuli on the side opposite to the brain lesion.

Right Hemisphere: The hemisphere of the brain that plays a crucial role in processing visual and spatial information and is often involved in hemispatial neglect.