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Semin Speech Lang 2002; 23(2): 117-128
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-24988
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Unilateral Neglect: A Disorder of Attention

Leora Reiff Cherney
  • Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois
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Publication History

Publication Date:
11 April 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Unilateral neglect is a complex disorder that occurs most frequently in patients with right hemisphere damage. Although it is most severe in the acute phase, it may be detectable in some patients many months and even years after onset. Its presence is usually obvious in functional activities, including reading and writing, and it has consistently been identified as a negative predictor for recovery of independence in daily living. The purposes of this article are to review common neglect symptoms, summarize current theories of neglect, outline appropriate assessment tasks, and describe several treatment approaches for left unilateral visual neglect.

KEYWORD

Attention - unilateral neglect - right hemisphere - assessment - treatment

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