Unilateral Spatial Neglect After Stroke: A Pragmatic Approach to Assessment and Rehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is a neuropsychological condition impairing awareness of contralesional space, often following right-hemisphere stroke.
• It significantly impacts functional abilities and quality of life, necessitating early diagnosis and rehabilitation.
• USN is prevalent post-stroke, persisting into chronic stages and requiring effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of current assessment tools and rehabilitation approaches for post-stroke USN.
• To highlight recent advances and emerging therapeutic strategies for USN.
• To offer clinicians practical, evidence-based strategies for individualized patient management.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on USN assessment and rehabilitation.
• Inclusion of a representative case study to illustrate clinical decision-making.
• Focus on practical tools and evidence-based strategies for clinicians.

Main Results:

• Current assessment tools and rehabilitation approaches for post-stroke USN are reviewed.
• Recent advances and emerging therapeutic strategies are discussed.
• A case study demonstrates the application of assessment methods in clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis and timely rehabilitation are crucial for managing post-stroke USN.
• Clinicians can utilize practical tools and evidence-based strategies for effective, individualized patient care.
• This review aims to enhance the management of this complex and disabling condition.