Author Description

Visuospatial neglect is a frequent consequence of right brain damage. Patients with neglect seem to live in a subjective world that is skewed away from the left side. This "left neglect" which is often severe and long'standing, has deleterious effects upon everyday living and return to work. In addition, it can be very resistant to remedial efforts. The clinical significance of the condition is obvious, but why and how do these failures to notice, attend to and respond to objects and events in left space occur? The last two decades have seen an exponential increase in empirical research on neglect by behavioural neurologists and cognitive neuropsychologists. Yet we are still some way from a deep understanding of the different forms and fractionations of neglect. With this in mind, we have organised a new type of symposium. A representative sample of research groups that have shown a sustained interest in all facets of neglect was asked to produce "state-of-the-art" position statements on the topic: what is known about neglect; what is not known (or understood), and most importantly, where should maximal effort be directed in the future. The current collection of position papers (and prophesies) provides a comprehensive overview of work-in-progress on neglect that cannot be gained from any other source.