Homonymous hemianopia and visual neglect: I — phenomenology, diagnosis

Abstract

Hemianopia and unilateral spatial neglect are the most common visual-spatial disorders that occur after a right hemisphere stroke. Due to the similarity of their symptoms, health care professionals often need to establish a differential diagnosis between these two disorders. This article is the first part of the literature review and is devoted to the discussion of the phenomenology and diagnostic methods of homonymous hemianopia and neglect. For the first time in the Russian literature, the use of the eytracking method in patients with homonymous hemianopia and neglect is highlighted. The article also provides criteria for the differences between the two disorders. The article contains useful information for health care professionals to make an appropriate diagnosis, which implies subsequent rehabilitation procedures. Rehabilitation methods will be described in detail in the second part of the literature review.