Stimulating visual exploration of the neglected space in the early stage of stroke by hemifield eye-patching: a randomized controlled trial in patients with right brain damage.

BACKGROUND

It has been well established that the presence of neglect is a predictor of poor functional outcome after stroke. Most rehabilitation studies on neglect have been performed with at least two months post-stroke. However, a recent series of stroke management indications highlight the importance of early rehabilitation treatment and evidence regarding neglect rehabilitation in the early phase after stroke is needed.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of right half-field patches in treating neglect in patients during the early phase of stroke.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Acute care setting in an urban general hospital.

POPULATION

Eighteen patients with left unilateral neglect recruited among 56 patients consecutively admitted with right hemispheric stroke.

METHODS

The patients were evaluated at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at a 7-day follow-up. The experimental group received right half-field patch treatment (n=10) for approximately 8 hours a day for 15 consecutive days. The control group received visual scanning training (n=8) for 40 minutes every weekday in a 15 day period.

RESULTS

Both groups significantly improved their performance in all outcome measures. No difference in the amount of improvement between the two groups was found.

CONCLUSION

Right half-field eye patching could be a promising technique for treating visual spatial neglect during the early stages of stroke.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The eye-patching technique may represent an easily applicable and inexpensive method for neglect rehabilitation in the early stage after stroke.