[Nursing care of unilateral neglect patients].

The prevalence of unilateral neglect among stroke patients has risen to 82% and 69%, respectively, in acute wards and rehabilitation units. Neglect may restrict the activities of patients and reduce their quality of life. Patients are often unaware of their neglect behavior and of their inability to see or feel persons or objects on their affected side. Healthcare providers should pay greater attention to the signs of neglect behavior in patients. Neglect is a silent syndrome for both patients and healthcare providers. This article reviews the definition of unilateral neglect as well as its associated characteristics, theoretical interpretations, rehabilitation, and nursing care. The authors hope that the contents of this article may help healthcare professionals assess and provide care to patients with neglect problems in order to decrease the negative impacts of neglect on patients and improve their daily functions.

Effectiveness of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Hemodialysis Patients With Dizziness.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) for hemodialysis (HD) patients with chronic dizziness. DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized controlled study was performed. METHODS: Cluster-randomized sampling was used to select the experimental group from two outpatient dialysis clinics. A total of 26 patients participated in the study. Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and falls were used as outcome measures. Data were collected at baseline (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3). FINDINGS: Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA of DHI revealed a statistically significant group and time interaction. Dizziness handicap outcome was significantly reduced over time in the experimental group (DHI total score, T1 = 35.29, T2 = 32.86, T3 = 27.86, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: VR exercise instructed by nurses can be effective in alleviating handicap imposed by dizziness in dialysis patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nurses are encouraged to learn VR as a simple exercise to improve well-being in dialysis patients with chronic dizziness.

Effects of primary caregiver participation in vestibular rehabilitation for unilateral neglect patients with right hemispheric stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The current study aims to investigate the effects of primary caregiver participation in vestibular rehabilitation (VR) on improving the measures of neglect, activities of daily living (ADL), balance, and falls of unilateral neglect (UN) patients. METHODS: This study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Both experimental (n = 24) and control groups (n = 24) received conventional rehabilitation. The experimental group undertook VR for a month. During the first and second weeks, a registered nurse trained the experimental group in VR. The primary caregivers in the experimental group supervised and guided their patients in VR during the third and fourth weeks. The outcome measures were neglect, ADL, balance, and falls. RESULTS: The two groups of UN patients showed a significant improvement in neglect, ADL, and balance over time. Based on the generalized estimating equations model, an interaction was observed between groups and times. Significant interactions were observed between the VR group at days 14 and 28 in the areas of neglect, ADL, and balance. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in the number of falls. CONCLUSION: Neglect, ADL, and balance among UN patients with right hemispheric stroke can be improved through the participation of primary caregivers in VR. Trained informal caregivers were recommended to provide VR guidance and supervision to patients who suffer from UN.