neglect syndrome
Failure to attend to stimuli in the contralesional space despite intact sensory and motor function.
Full Definition
Neglect syndrome, also known as spatial neglect or hemispatial neglect, is a neurological condition where patients fail to attend to, respond to, or report stimuli presented to the side of space opposite to their brain lesion, despite having intact primary sensory and motor abilities. This condition most commonly occurs following right hemisphere stroke affecting the parietal cortex, resulting in left-sided neglect. Patients may ignore food on the left side of their plate, bump into objects on their left, or only shave the right side of their face. Neglect can affect visual, auditory, or tactile modalities and may extend to personal space (neglecting the left side of their own body) or extrapersonal space (neglecting left-sided environmental stimuli). The condition significantly impacts rehabilitation outcomes and daily functioning.
Usage
Usage note: Specify affected side and modality. Distinguished from sensory loss by intact primary sensation.
In Context
- "The patient's neglect syndrome resulted in frequent collisions with doorframes on the left side during mobility training." — Physical therapy assessment
- "Prism adaptation therapy was initiated to address persistent left-sided neglect syndrome affecting daily activities." — Rehabilitation intervention plan