Repository logo
 

Left egocentric neglect in early subacute right-stroke patients is related to damage of the superior longitudinal fasciculus.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Authors

Nardo, Davide 
Giulietti, Giovanni 
Matano, Alessandro 
Salsano, Ilenia 

Abstract

A typical consequence of stroke in the right hemisphere is unilateral spatial neglect. Distinct forms of neglect have been described, such as space-based (egocentric) and object-based (allocentric) neglect. However, the relationship between these two forms of neglect is still far from being understood, as well as their neural substrates. Here, we further explore this issue by using voxel lesion symptoms mapping (VLSM) analyses on a large sample of early subacute right-stroke patients assessed with the Apples Cancellation Test. This is a sensitive test that simultaneously measures both egocentric and allocentric neglect. Behaviourally, we found no correlation between egocentric and allocentric performance, indicating independent mechanisms supporting the two forms of neglect. This was confirmed by the VLSM analysis that pointed out a link between a damage in the superior longitudinal fasciculus and left egocentric neglect. By contrast, no association was found between brain damage and left allocentric neglect. These results indicate a higher probability to observe egocentric neglect as a consequence of white matter damages in the superior longitudinal fasciculus, while allocentric neglect appears more "globally" related to the whole lesion map. Overall, these findings on early subacute right-stroke patients highlight the role played by white matter integrity in sustaining attention-related operations within an egocentric frame of reference.

Description

Keywords

Allocentric, Egocentric, Neglect, Neuroimaging, VLSM, Functional Laterality, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Neuropsychological Tests, Perceptual Disorders, Space Perception, Stroke, White Matter

Journal Title

Brain Imaging Behav

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1931-7557
1931-7565

Volume Title

16

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Sponsorship
MRC (unknown)
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00005/1)