The frequency of perceptual deficits after stroke

Abstract

The frequency of perceptual problems in stroke patients was assessed using a standardised assessment, The Rivermead Perceptual Assessment Battery.1 One hundred and fifty stroke patients (75 right hemiplegic and 75 left hemiplegic), admitted consecutively to two general hospitals, were assessed one month after stroke, to identify the proportion with perceptual difficulties. Perceptual difficulties were identified in 71 % of right hemiplegic stroke patients and 81 % of left hemiplegic patients. They were identified in 97% of dysphasic right hemiplegic patients, compared to 47% of nondysphasic right hemiplegic patients and 84% of female hemiplegic patients, compared to 67% of male hemiplegic patients. Unilateral neglect was identified in both right and left hemiplegic patients. The proportion of patients with neglect varied according to the measure chosen. The results indicate that perceptual problems are common following both right and left hemiplegic stroke, with unilateral neglect accounting for a relatively small proportion of the problems.