Unilateral spatial neglect

Abstract

Unilateral spatial neglect is a common disorder following focal right hemisphere damage, characterised by a failure to perceive and orient towards stimuli located on the left side of space. These deficits are not attributable to primary sensory or motor loss, but involve a neuropsychological disturbance in the representation of space (corporeal and extracorporeal) and in the mechanisms of attention. A major theoretical interest stems from observations that stimuli that are not consciously detected by the patient may nonetheless be processed by intact brain areas, despite unawareness. Unilateral spatial neglect may lead to poor functional recovery and remains difficult to treat using current rehabilitation procedures.