Reducing Neglect in Adult Hemiplegia: Recent Findings and Implications for Treatment

Abstract

Neglect is a disorder of attentional and intentional processes most commonly observed following a cerebrovascular accident. Recent research indicates that neglect can be reduced by priming neural circuits unaffected by cerebral lesions; the more effective remediation strategies are those that prime neural circuits that are under some voluntary control, although new strategies that influence involuntary attentional mechanisms show therapeutic potential. The implications of recent studies involving single-case and group remediation efforts are discussed with respect to treatment and the theoretical context for understanding disorders of attention.