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 Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around the complexity and clinical implications of spatial neglect in individuals recovering from stroke and brain injury
• Apply evidence-based, practical, and actionable strategies to address the identification, evaluation, and tailored intervention planning for clients experiencing spatial neglect
• Solve 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 independence

Timestamps

• (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 remarks

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