Hemisensory Neglect is a neurological condition where a person ignores sensory stimuli on one side of their body. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Hemi" is pronounced as "hɛmi", where the "h" is aspirated, and the "e" is pronounced like the "e" in "set". "Sensory" is pronounced as "ˈsɛnsəri", with the stress on the second syllable, and the "s" sounding like a "z". "Neglect" is pronounced as "nɪˈɡlɛkt", with the stress on the first syllable, and the "e" is pronounced like the "e" in "bet".
Hemisensory neglect refers to a neurological condition characterized by a lack of awareness or attention to sensory stimuli presented on one side of the body. This condition often occurs as a result of damage or dysfunction in the brain, typically in the parietal lobe, which is responsible for processing sensory information.
Individuals with hemisensory neglect typically demonstrate an inability to perceive or respond to sensory stimuli, such as touch, pain, temperature, or proprioceptive information, on one side of their body. This can manifest as a lack of sensation, decreased responsiveness, or a complete disregard for stimuli presented on the neglected side. The neglect is typically contralateral to the side of brain damage, meaning it occurs on the opposite side of the body.
The severity of hemisensory neglect can vary widely, ranging from mild to severe, and it often coexists with other forms of neglect, such as hemi-spatial neglect or hemiparesis. It can have significant implications for daily functioning and rehabilitation in individuals with brain injuries, as it affects their ability to engage in self-care activities, navigate their environment, and interact with others.
Treatment for hemisensory neglect typically focuses on environmental modifications, such as manipulating the positioning of objects in the individual's environment to encourage attention and awareness of the affected side. Additionally, rehabilitation techniques, such as sensory stimulation and motor retraining exercises, may be employed to improve sensory processing and integration on the neglected side.
The word "Hemisensory Neglect" combines the terms "hemi", "sensory", and "neglect". Here's the breakdown of their etymology:
1. Hemi: This prefix comes from the Greek word "hēmi-" meaning "half". It is used to indicate something related to one half of a whole, often referring to one side of the body.
2. Sensory: It is derived from the Latin word "sensōrius", which means "pertaining to the senses". The term refers to anything related to sensation or perception.
3. Neglect: This word comes from the Latin word "neglectus" which means "to disregard" or "to pay no attention". It signifies the act of ignoring or failing to focus on something.