Neglect Syndrome
Neurological condition causing failure to attend to or respond to stimuli on one side of space or body.
Full Definition
Neglect syndrome, also known as hemispatial neglect or unilateral spatial neglect, is a neurological condition typically resulting from brain injury, most commonly right hemisphere stroke. Patients with neglect syndrome fail to attend to, respond to, or report stimuli presented to the contralesional (opposite) side of space or their own body, despite having intact primary sensory and motor functions. This condition significantly impacts rehabilitation outcomes as patients may ignore food on one side of their plate, fail to dress one side of their body, or collide with obstacles on their neglected side. Treatment approaches include visual scanning training, prism adaptation, and constraint-induced movement therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'neglect syndrome' over 'neglect' alone to avoid confusion with general inattention.
In Context
- "The patient's neglect syndrome required specialized training to improve leftward visual scanning." — Occupational therapy evaluation
- "Neglect syndrome significantly impacts safety awareness and functional mobility." — Interdisciplinary care plan