What is one-sided neglect?

One-sided neglect, also known as unilateral neglect or hemispatial neglect, occurs when an individual fails to respond to stimuli that occur on one side of their body or in their environment. This condition is often a result of brain injury, typically affecting the right hemisphere, which can lead to a lack of awareness of the left side of the body and space.

In cases of one-sided neglect, a person might not recognize or react to objects, people, or even their own limbs on the affected side. For example, they may only eat food from one side of their plate or may not acknowledge someone standing to their neglected side. This phenomenon demonstrates how brain function can impact perception and attention, illustrating the complexity of neurological conditions.

Other options, such as loss of balance, difficulty speaking, and motor control problems, are associated with various neurological or physical issues but do not specifically describe the phenomenon of neglect where the awareness of one side of the body is lacking.