Neuro Navigators Episode 22: Spatial Neglect in Practice: What Should Guide Your Approach?

Dana Aravich joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for a deep dive into one of rehab’s most perplexing challenges: spatial neglect. Drawing on her clinical experience and research, Dana and J.J. unpack how this complex attention disorder impacts function and why it’s so often mistaken for a visual field deficit. Together, they explore practical, evidence-informed strategies for assessment, intervention planning, and team-based decision-making. Whether you're confident or still uncertain in managing neglect, this episode offers new ways to think about what truly guides your approach.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around the complexity and clinical implications of spatial neglect in individuals recovering from stroke and brain injuryApply evidence-based, practical, and actionable strategies to address the identification, evaluation, and tailored intervention planning for clients experiencing spatial neglectSolve patient case scenarios involving differential diagnosis and intervention planning for spatial neglect versus visual field deficits, incorporating contextual factors such as driving safety and functional independenceTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction(00:02:44) Understanding spatial neglect(00:04:36) Types of neglect(00:09:43) Evaluation challenges(00:10:40) Evidence-based assessment tools(00:15:40) The 292 assessment tools problem(00:22:21) Treatment complexity(00:24:30) Treatment strategies and research(00:26:25) Prism therapy and vision considerations(00:31:03) Screening and differential diagnosis(00:37:30) Observational insights and self-awareness(00:41:35) Self-reflection and chronic stages(00:44:32) Severe cases and poor arousal(00:47:48) Meaningful motivation(00:49:27) Family education and involvement(00:51:49) Key takeaways(00:52:55) Closing remarksNeuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/