hemineglect
Pronunciation: HEM-ee-neh-glekt
Neurological condition where patients fail to attend to or report stimuli on one side of space, typically the left side following right parietal lesions.
Full Definition
Hemineglect, also known as unilateral spatial neglect, is a complex neuropsychological syndrome most commonly resulting from right parietal cortex damage, particularly in stroke patients. Affected individuals demonstrate reduced awareness of stimuli on the contralesional side of space, which can manifest in various domains including visual, auditory, tactile, and motor neglect. The condition extends beyond simple sensory loss to involve attention, intention, and representational deficits. Assessment typically involves line bisection tasks, star cancellation tests, and drawing exercises that reveal the characteristic leftward bias in spatial processing.
Usage
Usage note: Written as one word, not hyphenated. Distinct from 'neglect syndrome' which is broader.
In Context
- "The patient's hemineglect was evident during the clock drawing test, with all numbers crowded on the right side." — Neuropsychological assessment
- "Occupational therapy focused on compensatory strategies for the patient's persistent hemineglect." — Rehabilitation plan