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What is Visual Neglect?

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Summary

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Visual neglect is when a person has difficulty paying attention to or noticing things in a particular part of their visual field. This means they may not see or know things on one side of their vision.

Frequently Asked Question

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Does visual neglect affect both eyes?

Visual neglect is not related to the eyes themselves but rather to the brain’s ability to process and attend to visual information. It can affect one side of the visual field regardless of whether both eyes are functioning properly.

Can visual neglect improve over time?

With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation interventions, visual neglect can show significant improvement over time. Early intervention and consistent therapy can help individuals develop better visual attention and functional abilities.

Does visual neglect only impact vision?

Visual neglect goes beyond visual impairments. It affects an individual’s ability to attend to and be aware of stimuli on one side of their visual field, impacting activities of daily living, spatial awareness, and overall functional independence.

Is visual neglect a permanent condition?

Visual neglect can vary in duration and severity. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, individuals with visual neglect can make significant improvements in their visual attention and functional abilities, leading to improved independence and quality of life.

Scientific Definition

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Visual neglect, also known as hemispatial neglect, is a neurodivergent condition where individuals struggle to perceive, attend to, or respond to visual information on one side of their field of vision. It’s often linked to damage in the right hemisphere of the brain. Those affected may overlook objects, people, or events on the neglected side, even with intact vision. This neglect extends to daily activities like grooming and reading. Treatment emphasizes raising awareness and using compensatory strategies to enhance visual attention and independence.

Video Explanation

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Treatment to Help with the Symptom Visual Neglect

Treatment for visual neglect aims to improve visual attention and functional abilities. Here are some approaches to consider:

  • Visual Scanning Exercises: Engage your child in activities like finding hidden objects or playing “I Spy” to encourage systematic scanning of their visual field.
  • Prism Adaptation: Using specialized glasses with prisms can gradually train the brain to attend to the neglected side.
  • Occupational Therapy: An occupational therapist can provide customized interventions, such as modifying the environment and using visual cues, to enhance attention and participation in daily activities.
  • Rehabilitation Apps: Use technology-based apps, like Goally, that offer interactive exercises and games designed to improve visual neglect.

With early intervention and consistent therapy, individuals with visual neglect can significantly improve visual attention and functional abilities, promoting greater independence and quality of life.

Conditions Associated with Visual Neglect

Visual neglect is linked to several neurodivergent conditions with varying manifestations and severity.

Condition Description
Stroke Damaging the brain’s right hemisphere during a stroke can lead to visual neglect.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) TBI, especially when it affects the right hemisphere, can result in visual neglect.
Alzheimer’s Disease Visual neglect may emerge in the later stages of Alzheimer’s due to progressive brain deterioration.
Parkinson’s Disease Some individuals with Parkinson’s may exhibit visual neglect as the condition advances.
Developmental Disorders Visual neglect can be present alongside autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Recognizing these connections aids in early identification and targeted interventions for individuals affected by visual neglect. 

 

This post was originally published on July 9, 2023. It was updated on Nov. 10, 2023.