ABSTRACT

Objective : This study provided evidence regarding the need for an appropriate evaluation and treatment of neglect by obtaining knowledge on the characteristics and incidences of stroke at the acute stage. Methods : The subjects were evaluated using a K-MMSE, Albert’s test, Clock drawing test, and Catherine Bergego Scale. Neglected subjects were then selected with and their data analyzed. Results : Among 100 subjects, 30 showed neglected right-hemisphere lesions and 22 neglected lefthemisphere lesions. There were no significant differences in terms of age, duration from onset to the day of evaluation, or K-MMSE scores between neglected and non-neglected patients (p>.05). There were significant differences in the CBS score and Albert test percentage in patients with neglected right- and lefthemisphere lesions (p<.05). Conclusion : We found that the incidence of neglect of right- vs left-hemisphere legions is equal. In addition, the perceptual and egocentric neglect, and severity of neglect of ADL patients, is affected by hemisphere, but the representational neglect is not. Also, not only lesions of the artery and cerebral region, but also the basal ganglion, pons, and thalamus are neglected. Based on this, if therapists provide an appropriate early evaluation and treatment of neglected legions during the acute stage of stroke victims, it will have a positive effect on decreasing the neglect.