An Updated and Comprehensive Overview of Spatial Neglect - Beyond the Blind Spot: Unlocking New Insights into Spatial Neglect
Course Description: Spatial neglect is a complex, often misunderstood condition that dramatically compromises functional outcomes following acquired brain injury. This six‑module self-paced, independent distance learning course, provides a comprehensive, clinically grounded, and learner‑friendly exploration of spatial neglect, its mechanisms, its real‑world consequences, and its implications for occupational therapy and rehabilitation practice. It is your essential update on spatial neglect, moving you beyond textbook knowledge into high-impact, functional practice. It includes: core mechanisms, prevalence, and clinical symptoms; practical methods to separate spatial neglect from a visual field cut; the profound effects of spatial neglect on caregivers, functional independence and recovery; lived experience of spatial neglect and its profound clinical implications; the multifaceted nature of self-awareness deficits in spatial neglect and its impact within the context of everyday activities. Across modules, the course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical clinical relevance and provides the necessary foundation for implementing truly effective, client-centered care. This course uses active learning methods such as case scenarios, interactive questions, and opportunities for clinical reflections and sharing of insights to enhance engagement and learning . A final 20-question multiple-choice exam will assess Learning Outcomes. A minimum grade of 80% is required. Certificates of completion are issued once all course components are completed (all modules, passing quiz and completion of the course evaluation). This course or passing the final exam is a prerequisite for course 2, Spatial Neglect and Assessment Methods: From Symptoms to Solutions
Course Format: Self-Paced, Distance Learning-Independent
Audience: Designed for occupational therapists and open to physicians, neuropsychologists, physical therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, and other rehabilitation professionals who have at least 1 year experience working with clients with stroke or acquired brain injury.
Content level is Intermediate.
Instructors: Peii Chen, PhD and Joan Toglia PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
CEUs: Contact hours for this course are 3 hours and 15 minutes or .325 CEUs
Course Fee: $115.00
Course Outline
MODULE 1: Spatial Neglect - Terminology Clarification, Definition and Underlying Mechanism: This module clarifies key terminology, defines spatial neglect, and explores the neural mechanisms underlying the condition. (40 minutes, Peii Chen)
MODULE 2: Spatial Neglect Prevalence: This module highlights the scope and clinical significance of spatial neglect. By grounding the condition in epidemiological data. It examines how frequently spatial neglect occurs, why left-sided neglect is more common than right-sided neglect, and the importance of screening all patients with acquired brain injury. Recent research findings and systematic reviews are discussed to provide evidence-based insights into this critical (40 minutes, Peii Chen)
MODULE 3: Is it Spatial Neglect or a Visual Field Cut? : This module provides a practical and clinically relevant overview of how to differentiate between the clinical presentation of a visual field cut (or homonymous hemianopia) and spatial neglect. Unique characteristics, neurological mechanisms, and functional implications of each condition will be reviewed along with case scenarios.
MODULE 4: Spatial Neglect Clinical Impacts: This module unpacks the profound effects of spatial neglect on functional independence and the ripple effect it has on caregivers and families. It examines how spatial neglect impacts recovery and affects rehabilitation safety, independence, mobility, caregiver stress, ADLs and participation, and why its recognition is essential for effective rehabilitation planning (40 minutes, Joan Toglia)
MODULE 5: Spatial Neglect and the Client’s Perspective: This module focuses on understanding spatial neglect from the patient's perspective. It includes simulated scenarios, interviews, and quotes based on real-life cases to illustrate what spatial neglect feels like for patients. The module aims to help viewers evaluate client interviews and behaviors, identify clinical implications, and understand the emotional, social, and physical impacts of neglect. (40 minutes, Joan Toglia)
MODULE 6: Anosognosia for Spatial Neglect (ASN): The final module addresses one of the most challenging aspects of spatial neglect. It clearly explains the nature of anosognosia, its impact on rehabilitation outcomes, and its implications for safety, engagement, and rehabilitation outcomes. Using the Dynamic Comprehensive Model of Awareness (DCMA), participants will learn to distinguish between general (offline) and online awareness, and apply these concepts to clinical scenarios.
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply the knowledge of expert consensus recommendations regarding terminology to improve communications and enhance rehabilitation care for a clinical scenario.
2. Apply knowledge regarding the mechanisms, prevalence, and clinical characteristics of spatial neglect to analyze the impact of spatial neglect on clients and their families in at least 2 clinical scenarios.
3. Identify at least 3 different ways that spatial neglect can impact functional outcomes.
4. Differentiate between the clinical presentation of a visual field cut and spatial neglect, including the functional implications of each condition for at least 2 clinical scenarios.
5. Analyze client interview data related to spatial neglect and determine the clinical practice implications within a case scenario.
6. Apply knowledge of general and online awareness to the analysis and interpretation of a client’s awareness within functional activities for at least 2 clinical scenarios.