Hemispatial neglect is a condition where patients become unaware of half their environment. It’s not due to vision problems but rather because the brain begins to ignore parts of reality. This neurological condition can occur after a stroke and affects 43% of acute right hemispheric stroke patients and 20% of left hemispheric stroke patients.
Imagine sitting down for breakfast and realizing that your plate is only half full, or you can’t see your partner’s toast on the left side. Hemispatial neglect is like this – it makes people unaware of their surroundings. There are two types: egocentric (ignoring one’s own body) and allocentric (neglecting one half of the environment).
Symptoms include memory distortion, visual impairment, difficulty reading, writing, dressing, eating, and navigating. Diagnosis relies on a careful exam by a neurologist using techniques like drawing clocks or assessing tactile and visual neglect.
Many patients are unaware of their condition initially, as their brain stops processing signals from one side. As a result, they may ignore their affected side, leading to social consequences. However, with rehabilitation and compensatory strategies, patients can develop new ways to navigate their environment.
Research shows that external motivation is useful in rehabilitating hemispatial neglect patients. Studies have also shown that targeted rehabilitation, such as VR games, can improve scores on “real-world” tests and help patients notice things on their neglected side more quickly.
Hemispatial neglect may seem like a minor issue, but it’s a reminder that our brains don’t just see the world – they construct it. With the right treatment and rehabilitation, patients can overcome this condition and regain control of their environment.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a70929435/spatial-neglect-brain-condition