Pilot Study of a Mixed-Reality Visual Attention Task for Neglect Diagnosis and Rehabilitation

Neglect, a common and disabling neurological deficit post-CNS injury, profoundly hinders recovery and escalates healthcare costs. Current diagnostic tools are often insensitive or impractical, and while therapies exist, a significant research gap remains. Traditional methods, including standardized scales and paper-pencil tests, lack precision; even advanced video oculography is limited by cost and accessibility. Rehabilitative approaches like visual scanning and prism adaptation offer some benefit, but more effective solutions are needed. This project utilizes a non-invasive neuromodulatory training approach via a mixed-reality visual attention task delivered through a virtual reality headset. This system aims to improve both neglect diagnosis and personalized therapeutic intervention. The study will assess the headset's safety and practicality, its capacity to detect and lateralize neglect, and its long-term effect on improving attention to the neglected field. By measuring reaction times to visual stimuli within the VR environment, the research seeks to develop a more accessible and impactful tool for both assessing and treating neglect, potentially enabling self-directed therapy and enhancing patient outcomes.