Current trends in the treatment of patients with post-stroke unilateral spatial neglect: A scoping review.

Article type
Authors
Umeonwuka C1, Roos R1, Ntsiea V1
1Department of Physiotherapy, University of the Witwatersrand
Abstract
Background:Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is a leading cause of disability and handicap in stroke survivors affecting functional recovery. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore the current treatment approaches for patients with post-stroke unilateral spatial neglect.

Objectives:The purpose of this scoping review was to explore the current treatment approaches for patients with post-stroke unilateral spatial neglect.

Methods:A three-step search strategy using the Johanna Briggs Institute’s guideline, was undertaken. PubMed, CINAHL, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial, SCOPUS, PROSPERO, Johanna Briggs Institute Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports,, Sport Discus and Google Scholar databases were searched. The searches were limited to publications from January 1 2008, to 31 September 2019. Non-English articles were excluded and data extracted using a study-specific charting table. Findings were categorized and descriptively presented, with tables and figures.

Results:Eighty-one studies were identified exploring twenty-nine intervention for post-stroke unilateral spatial neglect symptom amelioration was identified. Studies utilising randomised control trial study design was in preponderance. Intervention categories were prism adaptation and visual scanning, mental practice and mirror therapy, electrical stimulation and robotics, combination therapy, pharmacological therapy and others. Studies combining more than one treatment was in preponderance

Conclusions:A plethora of intervention studies has been explored to ameliorate neglect symptoms post-stroke. Both positive and negative results were obtained. Interventions incorporating more than one treatment show promise as a unilateral spatial neglect treatment strategy.

Patient or healthcare consumer involvement:Results from this review will inform health care practioner on smater evidence based approach to car for patients.