anosognosia
Pronunciation: an-oh-sog-NOH-zee-uh
A neurological condition in which patients are unaware of or deny their own neurological deficits or disabilities.
Full Definition
Anosognosia is the lack of insight or awareness regarding one's own neurological impairments, most commonly observed in patients with right hemisphere strokes affecting the parietal lobe. Patients may vehemently deny obvious deficits such as left-sided weakness or blindness, creating significant challenges for rehabilitation and safety planning. The condition can also occur with other neurological disorders including dementia, where patients may be unaware of their cognitive decline. Clinical documentation must distinguish between anosognosia and psychological denial, as the former has specific neuroanatomical correlates and treatment implications.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from psychological denial in clinical notes; anosognosia has specific neuroanatomical basis.
In Context
- "The patient's anosognosia for her left hemiplegia complicated discharge planning and required family education about safety measures." — Rehabilitation assessment
- "Anosognosia in this case manifested as the patient's insistence that he could drive despite obvious visual field defects." — Neurological consultation