Nonlateralized attentional deficits: An important component behind persisting visuospatial neglect?

Author(s): Hjelmquist, E. K. E., Jensen, C., Ekholm, S., Blomstrand, C.

Journal/Book: J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 1998; 20: P O Box 825, 2160 Sz Lisse, Netherlands. Swets Zeitlinger Publishers. 73-88.

Abstract: Simple reaction time was examined in a consecutive series of 60 right hemisphere stroke patients at the postacute stage and at 6 to 7 months poststroke. Reaction times to auditory stimuli were measured within the ipsilesional side of space. Patients showing contralateral neglect in conventional tests of neglect showed significantly increased reaction times at the postacute stage and at the follow-up compared to those not showing neglect and to those in a group of normal controls. The results suggest that a lowered general attentional capacity may constitute a central component behind persistent neglect. An additional analysis of the CT scans of the patients showed that a large lesion including the paraventricular white matter in the temporal lobe was the most important anatomical correlate of persisting slow reactions.

Note: Article Samuelsson H, Univ Gothenburg, Dept Psychol, Haraldsgatan, S-41314 Gothenburg, SWEDEN

Keyword(s): SIMPLE REACTION-TIME; MINI-MENTAL STATE; RIGHT-HEMISPHERE; HEMISPATIAL NEGLECT; VISUAL NEGLECT; CEREBRAL ACTIVATION; SUSTAINED ATTENTION; DOMINANCE; ASYMMETRIES; DAMAGE

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