Article

Current knowledge about spatial neglect and its impact on
rehabilitation mostly originates from stroke studies.
Objective To examine the
impact of spatial neglect on rehabilitation outcome in individuals with traumatic
brain injury (TBI). Methods
The retrospective study included 156 consecutive
patients with TBI (73 women; median age = 69.5 years; interquartile range = 50-81
years) at an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). We examined whether the
presence of spatial neglect affected the Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
scores, length of stay, or discharge disposition. Based on the available medical
records, we also explored whether spatial neglect was associated with tactile
sensation or muscle strength asymmetry in the extremities and whether specific
brain injuries or lesions predicted spatial neglect. Results In all, 30.1% (47 of
156) of the sample had spatial neglect. Sex, age, severity of TBI, or time
postinjury did not differ between patients with and without spatial neglect. In
comparison to patients without spatial neglect, patients with the disorder stayed
in IRF 5 days longer, had lower FIM scores at discharge, improved slower in both
Cognitive and Motor FIM scores, and might have less likelihood of return home. In
addition, left-sided neglect was associated with asymmetric strength in the lower
extremities, specifically left weaker than the right. Finally, brain
injury-induced mass effect predicted left-sided neglect. Conclusions Spatial
neglect is common following TBI, impedes rehabilitation progress in both motor
and cognitive domains, and prolongs length of stay. Future research is needed for
linking specific traumatic injuries and lesioned networks to spatial neglect and
related impairment.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS