Identification of Shape Characteristics of the Field of View in Patients with Unilateral Spatial Neglect Using Virtual Reality Environments

Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is a higher cognitive dysfunction that can occur following a stroke. It is characterized by the impairment in locating, reporting, reacting to, and directing attention toward stimuli presented on the side opposite to the brain lesion. Although it is understood that USN results from the misdirection of attention, the influence of a patient’s attentional state on the symptoms of neglect remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between attention and neglect by identifying the position and size of the attentional area, as well as the shape characteristics of the field of view (SCFV), using 3D virtual reality (VR). We assessed these characteristics based on the patient’s recognition or non-recognition of displayed objects, reaction time, and gaze behavior within an immersive VR space. The results indicated that the relationship between attention and neglect symptoms varied among patients, suggesting the potential for personalized rehabilitation based on each patient’s attentional state.