Non-drug interventions for spatial neglect (inattention) after stroke or other brain injuries.
What is it about?
Following a stroke or other brain injury, individuals may experience spatial neglect (inattention). Spatial neglect is a neuropsychological condition that decreases awareness and attention on one side of the body—usually opposite to the brain damage site. This work summarizes evidence on non-drug treatments for adults with spatial neglect.
Why is it important?
Spatial neglect is experienced by 30% of individuals after a stroke. Rehabilitation interventions are pivotal to recovery, well-being, and a return to normal activity. Results show that the effectiveness, benefits, and harms associated with currently available interventions are unclear. While individuals with spatial neglect claim that the activity of independent living is central to their recovery and well-being, long-term effects on this outcome are absent. Current evidence reflects low quality, which prevents formulating recommendations for or against the interventions.