Attention and arousal: basic science aspects.

Disorders of attention are common after a variety of insults to the central nervous system. At present, treatment of these disorders is rarely based on a theoretical understanding of the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, psychology, or psychopharmacology of attention. This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the mechanisms of attentional function and dysfunction, attempting to integrate findings across different types of research. In a subsequent article, the implications of these findings for clinical practice will be discussed.