Northampton

Researchers are studying spatial neglect, a condition affecting over half of Veterans after a right brain stroke that limits their ability to move, orient, and respond toward the left side. This condition causes difficulties with daily activities like dressing, eating, self-care, and wheelchair navigation, which greatly increases their care needs both in the hospital and at home. The study aims to develop a brain scanning test that can objectively identify which Veterans with spatial neglect would benefit most from prism adaptation therapy (PAT), a treatment involving visuomotor training with optical prisms. The treatment being evaluated is prism adaptation therapy (PAT), which consists of 10 days of visuomotor training while wearing optical prisms. The study involves Veterans who have experienced a first right brain stroke within 1 to 4 months prior and compares those with and without spatial neglect. Brain imaging biomarkers will be identified and validated to predict the presence of a specific type of spatial neglect called Aiming SN, which is linked to better recovery after PAT. The study will also explore behavioral predictors to enhance understanding of functional recovery following treatment. Participants will undergo brain scans and assessments to measure spatial neglect type and functional independence over 5 weeks after enrollment. Researchers will track improvements in daily functioning and use these results to develop an algorithm guiding personalized rehabilitation. The study includes monitoring vision, sitting ability, and informed consent, with the goal to improve stroke care efficiency and quality of life for Veterans by providing tailored rehabilitation strategies based on brain imaging and behavioral data.