Characterization of the hemineglect syndrome : specificity of the nursing care

Hemineglect results from the damage of the single, usually right brain hemisphere (non-dominant one). It consists of the lack of awareness of the intra- and extrapersonal space contralaterally to the affected hemisphere. This disturbance combines complex abnormalities in various modalities of special senses: visual, auditory, sensory, and kinesthetic-motor one. Hemineglect is predominantly a cognitive disorder. Patients live in limited space, being unaware of functional restrictions. Causes and pathomechanisms of hemineglect remain poorly understood. The occurrence of the disorder results from the damage of the various cerebral structures. Analysis of the attitude, attention and emotions suggests the neuropsychological background of that phenomenon. The diagnosis of hemineglect is based mainly on neuropsychological testing. Clinical picture of the hemineglect syndrome is dominated by the disordered communication, recall, orientation towards the stimuli coming from the neglected side, frequently with preserved motor and sensory functions. Reeducational management is still at the research stage. It is based mainly on the rehabilitation programs including psychological elements that promote stimuli from the neglected side, stimulation of the neglected parts of the body, improvement of the visuospatial analysis, as well as the perceptive-motor integration. Specific patient’s problems require the adequate approach of the therapeutic team. Important activities include motivation and making patient aware of the deficit, elimination of the neglect signs, and consequently, improvement of patient’s self-dependence and quality of life. The goal of this work is the presentation of the hemineglect syndrom characteristics and the nursing proceedings aimed at the alleviation of the occuring disorders, and at improving patients performance in their daily funcions.