Musical neglect training for chronic persistent left hemispatial neglect with right hemiplegia post-stroke: a case report

Yuka Kasuya-Ueba ^1,2, Koji Maeda ²

⁰Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan.

Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences +

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January 22, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Musical Neglect Training (MNT®), involving active musical instrument playing, significantly improved severe left-side neglect and daily activities in a chronic stroke patient. These positive effects persisted for at least six months post-intervention.

Area Of Science

Neurorehabilitation
Auditory stimulus-based therapy
Stroke recovery

Background

Persistent hemispatial neglect is a common and disabling post-stroke complication.
Current rehabilitation strategies for chronic neglect have limited long-term efficacy.
Musical Neglect Training (MNT®) offers a novel approach utilizing active musical instrument playing.

Observation

A 69-year-old male with chronic right hemiplegia and severe left hemispatial neglect presented with significant deficits in activities of daily living (ADLs).
Baseline assessments revealed severe neglect (33/40 uncrossed lines) and cognitive impairment (MMSE 17).
Egocentric neglect impacted daily tasks like eating and wheelchair navigation.

Findings

An 18-month intervention of weekly individual MNT® led to substantial improvement in line cancellation tests (4/40 uncrossed lines).
Significant enhancements in ADLs were reported, indicating reduced neglect symptoms.
Long-term follow-up confirmed sustained benefits, with effects lasting at least 6 months post-intervention.

Implications

This case study is the first to report long-term efficacy of MNT® for severe chronic hemispatial neglect.
Findings suggest MNT® is a promising intervention for improving neglect and ADLs in chronic stroke survivors.
Further rigorous research is warranted to validate MNT®'s role in post-stroke rehabilitation.

Keywords:

attention control case report chronic phase musical neglect training post-stroke severe hemispatial neglect spatial attention