Rehabilitation of neglect: An update

Spatial neglect is a characteristic sign of damage to the right hemisphere and is typically characterized by a failure to respond to stimuli on the left side. With about a third of stroke victims showing initial signs of neglect, it is a frequent but also one of the most disabling neurological syndromes. Despite partial recovery in the first months after stroke one third of these patients remain severely disabled in all daily activities, have a poor rehabilitation outcome and therefore require specific treatment. The last decades have seen an intensive search for novel, more effective treatments for this debilitating disorder. An impressive range of techniques to treat neglect has been developed in recent years. Here, we describe those techniques, review their efficacy and identify gaps in the current research on neglect therapy.

► Spatial neglect occurs frequently after lesions to the right hemisphere.
► Despite significant advances in neglect therapy 1/3 of patients remains impaired.
► We review classic and novel treatment techniques, their efficacy and address gaps in treatment research.