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Audio-visual stimulation for visual compensatory functions in stroke survivors with visual field defect: a systematic
Kholoud Alwashmi1, Georg Meyer2, Fiona J Rowe3
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK. K.Alwashmi@liverpool.ac.uk.
Summary
Audio-visual (AV) training may enhance visual processing in hemianopia patients by stimulating subcortical pathways. This approach could improve visual function by activating the intact superior colliculus (SC) in individuals with visual cortex damage.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Hemianopia, often caused by cerebral infarction, involves blindness in one visual field.
- Audio-visual (AV) stimulation is hypothesized to improve visual field processing by engaging the superior colliculus (SC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize findings on the impact of AV rehabilitation on hemianopia patients.
- To explore effects on visual--oculomotor function, daily living activities, and brain multisensory integration.
Main Methods:
- A narrative synthesis of sixteen studies (14 articles, 2 reviews) involving 188 participants.
- Studies were categorized by AV task type, comparing visual vs. AV training, and assessing localization and AV integration in hemianopia.
Main Results:
- AV training may enhance visual information processing via subcortical pathways.
- The intact superior colliculus (SC) in patients with visual cortex damage presents a potential target for AV training.
- Studies included adult and pediatric hemianopia populations, with varied AV task types.
Conclusions:
- Systematic AV training shows potential for improving visual processing in hemianopia.
- Activating retinotectal functions through bimodal AV training may benefit patients with visual cortex damage.
- Further neuroimaging studies are needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and optimize training paradigms.
