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Abstract
Hemineglect poses a significant impediment to functional rehabilitation post brain injury. Caloric stimulation, a form of vestibular stimulation, has been shown to improve neglect. The purpose of this paper is to review the neglect phenomenon, to examine the literature on the effects of vestibular stimulation on hemineglect, and to outline possible treatment strategies for the management of neglect. Of the various models, the majority of the literature supports the theory that neglect is a representational deficit. Manifestations of neglect are affected by vestibular stimulation. All examined studies demonstrated a transient reduction in left neglect following caloric stimulation. This indicates that vestibular stimulation may become a powerful tool in the treatment of patients with hemineglect. The potential of other forms of stimulation are also explored. Based on the results of this review, it is recommended that further studies be conducted to determine the most practical and effective application of vestibular stimulation.