Acute-phase sensorimotor deficits and unilateral spatial neglect after right-hemisphere stroke: an exploratory single-center observational study

In the acute phase, poststroke somatosensory impairment may be associated with unilateral spatial neglect (USN). However, patients with USN are often too severely affected to complete standardized testing. In this exploratory study, we aimed to characterize the somatosensory profile relevant to early rehabilitation needs. We examined whether acute USN after right-hemisphere stroke reflects broader sensorimotor dysfunction by assessing exteroceptive, higher-cortical, and proprioceptive somatosensory and motor deficits. Among 233 admitted patients, 37 medically stable patients able to undergo wheelchair-based assessment were included. USN was defined as a positive result on any of the Bells, line bisection, or reading tests. Patients with USN (n = 13) more frequently showed multimodal somatosensory impairment and had poorer motor function than those without (n = 24). In subgroup analyses, patients with USN and low motor function tended to exhibit more severe somatosensory deficits and rightward gaze deviation than those with higher motor function, as measured using a personal computer-based system. These exploratory findings suggest that acute USN may be associated with combined sensory dysfunction. Quantitative sensorimotor assessment appears feasible in medically stable patients and may support early rehabilitation planning by identifying patients with combined sensorimotor impairment. Larger studies are needed to confirm these associations and clarify clinical utility.