A primer for the optometric management of unilateral spatial inattention.

BACKGROUND Unilateral spatial inattention (USI) (a.k.a. neglect, unilateral neglect, visual neglect) is a common occurrence after stroke. It can also occur subsequent to traumatic brain injury. Insult to the right inferior (posterior) parietal cortex is the structure that is virtually always involved, although other brain areas have been implicated. The major consequence of USI is that the patient is unaware of one side of the body, and/or one side of visual space. Current literature expresses this as USI in the individual's personal, peri-personal, and extra-personal spaces. METHODS We discuss the condition's natural history, occurrence and behavioral consequences. CONCLUSIONS We propose a system for the optometric management of USI in extra-personal and peri-personal spaces.