Hemisensory neglects is a medical term that refers to a condition where a person ignores sensory information from one side of their body. The phonetic transcription of this term is [hemi-ˈsɛnsəri nɪˈɡlɛkts], which can be broken down into "hemi-" meaning half, "-sensory" pertaining to sensation, "nega-" meaning ignore, and "-lects" meaning choose. This condition can occur after a stroke or brain injury and can have serious consequences if left untreated. It is important for healthcare professionals to accurately identify and treat hemisensory neglects.
Hemisensory neglects, also known as unilateral spatial neglect, is a neurological disorder characterized by a failure to attend or respond to stimuli presented on one side of the body or space. This condition typically occurs as a result of damage to the brain's right hemisphere, most commonly caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other brain lesions.
Individuals with hemisensory neglects exhibit a lack of awareness or attention towards their affected side, typically the left side of the body and space, although it can also occur on the right side. This neglect is not due to a sensory deficit, as the affected sensory pathways are still intact, but rather a deficit in the individual's ability to perceive, attend, or respond to stimuli on the neglected side. They may neglect objects or people located on the affected side and fail to incorporate the affected side into their daily activities.
Symptoms of hemisensory neglects can vary in severity, ranging from mild inattention to complete dismissal of the affected side. Individuals may have difficulty with activities that require the use of both sides of the body, such as dressing or eating, and may struggle with spatial tasks and navigation.
Rehabilitation for hemisensory neglects typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. Treatment aims to improve awareness and attention to the affected side, often through repetitive training exercises and environmental modifications. With appropriate intervention and guidance, individuals with hemisensory neglects may be able to regain functional independence and improve their overall quality of life.
The term "Hemisensory Neglect" is a combination of several words.
"Hemi-" comes from the Greek word "hemi", meaning "half". It is used to denote "one half" or "half of a whole". In medical terminology, "hemi-" is often used when referring to an organ or body part that affects only one side.
"Sensory" is derived from the Latin word "sensus", meaning "perception" or "feeling". It refers to the ability to detect and interpret stimuli through the senses.
"Neglect" comes from the Latin word "neglectus", meaning "to disregard" or "to pay no attention to". In this context, it refers to a lack of awareness or attention paid to a certain sensory input.