Visual imagery to treat visual inattention in stroke patients

Journal/Book: Aus: Rehab in Review Vol.6 No.7 1998. Physikalische Medizin Heft 5 8. Jahrgang Oktober 1998 M 60. 1998;

Abstract: Niemeier J. P. et al.: The Lighthouse strategy: use of a visual imagery technique to treat visual inattention in stroke patients. Brain Injury 12 (1998) 399-406 Visual imagery is a tool often used by therapists as a compensatory strategy for individuals with cognitive impairment. However this technique has been of limited use in patients with severe brain injuries due to difficulties developing associated visual images. This study examined the role of visual imagery in the treatment of visual inattention after stroke. The subjects included 31 individuals in a comprehensive outpatient stroke rehabilitation program. Subjects were randomized to a study group (n=16) or a control group (n=15). Subjects were tested for attention at admission and at discharge. The "Lighthouse Strategy" was used as the visual imagery technique. Using a two-way analysis of covariance a significant improvement in visual attention was noted in the imagery group as compared with the control group. Conclusion: The results revealed that subjects who learned to use the "Lighthouse Strategy" had greater improvement in visual attention than those who did not. schö

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