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anosognosia
Pronunciation: an-oh-sog-NOH-zhuh
Lack of awareness or denial of neurological deficits following brain injury.
Full Definition
A neurological condition where patients are unaware of or deny their functional deficits, most commonly seen after right hemisphere stroke affecting spatial awareness, left-sided neglect, or hemiparesis. Anosognosia significantly impacts rehabilitation participation and safety awareness. Assessment involves clinical observation and specific questionnaires comparing patient self-report with objective performance measures.
Usage
Usage note: Often misspelled; distinguish from psychological denial which involves awareness.
In Context
- "The patient's anosognosia for left-sided weakness posed significant safety risks." — Rehabilitation report
- "Anosognosia assessment revealed complete unawareness of memory deficits." — Neuropsychological evaluation
Also known as
unawareness of deficits
Contrasted with
awareness
insight
Don't confuse with
denial
anosodiaphoria
confabulation