Engineering software tools for assessment of visuo-spatial neglect

This paper describes the development and implementation of a computer based diagnostic test battery for the assessment of visuo-spatial neglect in stroke patients. Visuo-spatial neglect is the inability of a brain damaged patient to react to visual stimuli on the opposite side to the lesion. It has been recognised as a major barrier to post-stroke rehabilitation. The system being developed provides consistent and accurate assessment of the drawn (static) data by applying a series of marking algorithms based on automated image processing. Because patient test response is captured in real time using a computer based system, a number of constructional features (dynamic data) can also be extracted to give a clearer definition to the nature and severity of the patient´s neglect