Functional evaluation of hemineglect by means of a semistructured scale: Personal extrapersonal differentiation

Abstract

A semistructured scale for the functional evaluation of hemineglect was given to 26 patients who proved hemi-inattentive on standard diagnostic tests. Analysis of the internal composition of the scale indicated a differentiation between trials that require the exploration of external space (for example, dealing cards or serving tea) and trials that require the exploration of one's own body (for example, using a comb or razor). This result is consistent with the hypothesis that neglect fractionates as a function of extrapersonal versus personal space. This distinction was also supported by the performance of a patient examined after the completion of the experimental series. This patient showed a selective failure in personal but not extrapersonal items. A brief analysis of this case and of its implications is presented. It is concluded that the part of the scale relative to personal space represents a useful starting point for the evaluation of a disorder that still has a limited clinical description.