Update on the Clinical Approach to Spatial Neglect

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Neurology

Background:

• Spatial neglect is a common functional disability following brain lesions, particularly stroke.
• Despite its prevalence, spatial neglect is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to increased patient burden.
• There is a significant implementation gap in current clinical practices for managing spatial neglect.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the gap in identifying and treating spatial neglect.
• To outline strategies for reducing disability associated with spatial neglect.
• To improve healthcare cost-effectiveness and reduce the burden of spatial neglect.

Main Methods:

• Review of professional organization recommendations for spatial neglect care.
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary team leadership by physicians.
• Integration of functional assessment, evidence-based retraining, and combined spatial and vision interventions.

Main Results:

• Spatial neglect assessment and retraining can optimize patient outcomes.
• Spatial neglect adversely impacts motor systems, suggesting therapy may aid motor recovery.
• New techniques for spatial neglect detection and integrated care are implementable by clinicians.

Conclusions:

• Implementing standardized spatial neglect care pathways is crucial.
• Interdisciplinary approaches and novel therapeutic techniques can improve patient outcomes.
• Further research into biomarkers and prism adaptation is warranted for enhanced spatial neglect management.