Abstract
Neglect behavior of experimental animals with unilateral posterior cortical lesions improves with the placement of a second lesion in the contralesional superior colliculus or in the intercollicular commissure. Given that the retinotectal fibers are mainly crossed, it has been speculated that ipsilesional eye patching, by depriving the contralesional superior colliculus of its main facilitatory visual input, might achieve similar results, and thus be used as a remediation maneuver in patients with neglect. From six patients with severe persistent neglect, only one showed an unequivocal beneficial effect from ipsilesional eye patching. We discuss the factors which possibly underlie success and failure with this procedure, and the place for it in neglect rehabilitation.
Highlights
Experimental animals with large posterior cortical lesions develop disturbances of visual perception and visually guided behavior in the contralateral space, resembling the human hemispatial neglect syndrome
The visual loss partially recovers, but if a second lesion is placed in the superior colliculus ipsilateral to the cortical damage, the animal loses its previously recovered abilities
The morphologically intact tectal component of the ipsilesional system can partially compensate for the loss induced by the cortical damage, if it is released from the strong inhibition coming from the other side via the tectal commissures (Kinsboume, 1987; Rizzolatti and Camarda, 1987)
Summary
Experimental animals with large posterior cortical lesions develop disturbances of visual perception and visually guided behavior in the contralateral space, resembling the human hemispatial neglect syndrome. If the second lesion is placed in the contralateral superior colliculus, or in the intercollicular connections, recovery of visual function in the impaired field is facilitated (Sprague, 1966). This well-known effect is usually explained in terms of a homolateral corticotectal system, subserving visuoperceptual and attentional processes related to the contralateral hemispace. The morphologically intact tectal component of the ipsilesional system can partially compensate for the loss induced by the cortical damage, if it is released from the strong inhibition coming from the other side via the tectal commissures (Kinsboume, 1987; Rizzolatti and Camarda, 1987)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
