Stroke (CVA) is a major cause of disability among older persons. Even after costly and extensive rehabilitation, the majority of stroke survivors remain functionally affected. In the absence of any sensory deficits, many stroke patients are unable to recognize a stimulus (e.g. touch) with eyes occluded or fail to recognize it when simultaneously stimulated by a second stimulus. These dysfunctions called "neglect" and "extinction" may contribute significantly to their disabling condition and could be dangerous (e.g. as when ambulating). At present, physicians and therapists do not have a reliable diagnostic tool to detect tactile neglect and extinction in CVA and in similar patients (e.g. head-injured). The authors' study was aimed at the application of computer technology to develop a simple test to assess these deficits and to evaluate various therapies which may contribute to patient recovery.
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