Visual vertical neglect in acquired brain injury: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Visuospatial Cognition
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Vertical neglect, a visuospatial deficit following acquired brain injury (ABI), is less understood and clinically assessed than horizontal neglect.
• Existing literature often uses
• radial,
• vertical,
• and altitudinal
• neglect interchangeably, causing confusion regarding spatial dimensions.
• Clarifying these terms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and research.

Approach:

• This systematic review analyzed 23 articles to characterize vertical neglect post-ABI.
• It identified diagnostic tools and treatment options for vertical neglect.
• The review also aimed to differentiate between vertical and radial neglect.

Key Points:

• Vertical neglect impacts lower space more than upper space and frequently co-occurs with horizontal neglect.
• Vascular etiologies, particularly ischemic events, are the most common cause of vertical neglect.
• Lesions are widespread, affecting cortical and subcortical areas across all lobes, with a predilection for the temporal lobe.

Conclusions:

• Vertical neglect is often underestimated, particularly in right hemisphere injury cases, and warrants systematic assessment.
• Traditional paper-and-pencil tests are common, but computer-based assessments are emerging.
• Recognizing vertical neglect is vital due to its significant impact on daily activities like mobility and object interaction.