Visuomotor Adaptation to Optical Prisms: A New Cure for Spatial Neglect?

In this issue, McIntosh and colleagues show that visual and haptic deficits in spatial neglect can be improved following a brief period of visuomotor adaptation to rightward displacing optical prisms. Their paper is the latest in a series of recent studies that have demonstrated the utility of prismatic adaptation in reducing the clinical symptoms of unilateral spatial neglect (Pisella et al., 2002; Rode et al., 1999; Rossetti et al., 1998; Rossetti et al., 1999). The technique has great promise as a rehabilitative tool, and may provide unique insights into the underlying mechanisms of spatial perception and action in normality and pathology. In this article I provide an introduction to the neuropsychological syndrome of spatial neglect, highlighting the significant rehabilitative challenges it poses for clinicians. I then outline the prism adaptation procedure, and consider the possible reasons for its beneficial effects in patients with spatial neglect. I conclude with some open questions and suggestions for future research.