Nonspatially lateralized mechanisms in hemispatial neglect

Hemispatial neglect is a common disabling disorder following right-hemisphere stroke. Although much work has focused on the lateralized components of neglect, recent investigations have also revealed deficits that are not spatially lateralized and are present in both the good (ipsilesional) side and the neglected (contralesional) side of space. These findings are consistent with new observations from functional imaging, human neuropsychological and monkey electrophysiological studies that also suggest non-spatially lateralized functions for the regions damaged in neglect. Understanding the interaction between spatially lateralized and non-lateralized mechanisms may provide important insights into the neglect syndrome, the normal functions of brain structures commonly damaged in neglect patients, and the development of treatments for the condition. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.