Authors: Plow, Ela B; Maguire, Sara; Obretenova, Souzana; Pascual-Leone, Alvaro; Merabet, Lotfi B

Source: Expert Review of Medical Devices, Volume 6, Number 3, May 2009 , pp. 291-305(15)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

Abstract:

Visual field defects often result from stroke and brain injury. The resulting visual impairment can be debilitating for patients, impeding daily activities such as reading and mobility. Historically, it was believed that there was little opportunity for restoration of function following visual system damage. However, the development of various visual rehabilitative strategies suggests that visual field defects are partially repairable and a certain degree of function can be improved. While this provides hope for patients, many of these strategies have been met with skepticism within the clinical and scientific communities. Further development of these strategies through carefully designed studies could validate their efficacy and reveal underlying mechanisms. Novel techniques, aimed at enhancing the effect of these rehabilitative strategies, are also discussed.

Keywords: hemianopia; neuroplasticity; postchiasmal damage; prisms; quadrantanopia; saccadic training; scotoma; transition zone; vision restoration training; visual field defect

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/erd.09.8

Affiliations: 1: Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, KS-158, Boston, MA, USA., Email: ebhatt@bidmc.harvard.edu

Publication date: 2009-05-01

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