Leora R Cherney1, Anita S Halper, Dawn Papachronis. 1. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, and Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This preliminary study assessed the efficacy of two treatment methods for persistent unilateral or hemispatial neglect following right hemisphere stroke. METHOD: Two patients received an intervention focusing on the underlying impairment of attention during visual scanning. Two other participants received an intervention that provided repetitive practice during a functional task of oral reading. Standardized tests of attention and neglect were administered before and after treatment. Performance on a functional task assessing generalization of treatment was probed at every session. RESULTS: Results indicate no clear conclusions regarding the efficacy of either approach. Factors contributing to these equivocal findings are addressed.
PURPOSE: This preliminary study assessed the efficacy of two treatment methods for persistent unilateral or hemispatial neglect following right hemisphere stroke. METHOD: Two patients received an intervention focusing on the underlying impairment of attention during visual scanning. Two other participants received an intervention that provided repetitive practice during a functional task of oral reading. Standardized tests of attention and neglect were administered before and after treatment. Performance on a functional task assessing generalization of treatment was probed at every session. RESULTS: Results indicate no clear conclusions regarding the efficacy of either approach. Factors contributing to these equivocal findings are addressed.