Visuo-spatial neglect: a systematic review of current interventions and their effectiveness

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Stroke recovery
• Visuo-spatial neglect

Background:

• Left visuo-spatial neglect is a common consequence of right hemisphere stroke.
• It significantly predicts poor functional outcomes and long-term disability.
• Despite numerous interventions, lasting functional improvement remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the clinical effectiveness of interventions for left visuo-spatial neglect.
• To identify methods promoting long-lasting functional improvement.
• To guide future research in neurorehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of clinically relevant literature.
• Inclusion of studies with comparative and stringent levels of evidence.
• Analysis of various rehabilitation techniques for visuo-spatial neglect.

Main Results:

• Visual scanning training (VST), trunk rotation (TR), and neck muscle vibrations (NMV) show potential when part of extensive programs.
• Mental imagery, video feedback, and prism adaptation (PA) may also be beneficial.
• Limb activation (LA) requires further study for optimal paradigms; sensory stimulations and Fresnel prisms show limited functional relevance.

Conclusions:

• VST, TR, and NMV are recommended for left neglect rehabilitation, particularly with comprehensive training.
• Further research is essential to optimize LA and confirm long-term benefits of other methods.
• Current evidence is insufficient to conclude long-term functional improvement for all evaluated methods.