unilateral neglect
Neurological condition where patients ignore stimuli on one side of space, typically following right brain lesions.
Full Definition
Unilateral neglect, also known as hemispatial neglect or spatial neglect, is a neurological syndrome in which patients fail to attend to, respond to, or report stimuli on one side of space, typically the left side following right hemisphere brain lesions. This condition is most commonly seen after strokes affecting the right parietal cortex. Patients with neglect may ignore food on the left side of their plate, fail to dress the left side of their body, or only read the right half of words or sentences. Unlike hemianopia (visual field loss), neglect patients have intact sensory pathways but lack awareness of the neglected space. Assessment tools include line bisection tests, cancellation tasks, and drawing tasks that reveal the characteristic rightward bias.
Usage
Usage note: Specify affected side (usually left) and distinguish from visual field defects.
In Context
- "The patient demonstrated severe left unilateral neglect, consistently bisecting lines far to the right of midline." — neuropsychological assessment
- "Occupational therapy focused on addressing unilateral neglect to improve activities of daily living." — rehabilitation plan