Is visual scanning better than mental practice in hemispatial neglect? Results from a pilot study.

Objective: We compared visual scanning and mental practice and explored the effects of these techniques on specific hemispatial neglect tests and activities of daily living in chronic hemispatial neglect patients.

Methods: Ten right-handed patients with hemispatial neglect caused by right hemisphere ischemic strokes were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 study groups: visual scanning (n = 5), mental practice (n = 5). Five additional patients were included in a control group.

Screening tests are not enough to detect hemineglect.

Objective: To verify the sensitivity of the conventional subtests of the Behavioral Inattention Test (BIT) in the diagnosis of hemineglect after stroke.

Method: One hundred and two patients with cerebral infarct or hemorrhage were prospectively evaluated. In 22, hemineglect was diagnosed using standard BIT criteria.