Extinction (neurology): Difference between revisions

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[[file:Gray742.png|thumb|Gray's anatomy image 742]] [[file:Explanation_of_the_grouping_effect_in_extinction.png|thumb|Explanation of the grouping effect in extinction|left]] [[file:Visual_extinction.gif|thumb|Visual extinction]] '''Extinction (neurology)''' is a neurological disorder that occurs when a person is unable to perceive multiple stimuli of the same type simultaneously. This condition is often observed in patients who have suffered damage to one hemisphere of the brain, particularly in the [[parietal lobe]].
[[File:Gray742.png|Grays anatomy picture 742|thumb]]
'''Extinction''' is a neurological disorder that occurs when a person is unable to perceive a stimulus on one side of their body when a similar stimulus is presented simultaneously on the opposite side. This phenomenon is often observed in patients who have suffered damage to the [[parietal lobe]] of the [[brain]], particularly following a [[stroke]].


==Overview==
== Pathophysiology ==
Extinction is typically identified during a neurological examination. When a single stimulus is presented to either side of the body, the patient can usually detect it. However, when stimuli are presented simultaneously to both sides, the patient fails to perceive the stimulus on the side opposite to the brain lesion. This phenomenon is most commonly associated with [[unilateral neglect]], a condition where the patient ignores one side of their body or environment.
Extinction is typically associated with lesions in the [[right hemisphere]] of the brain, which can lead to deficits in [[spatial attention]]. The [[parietal lobe]] plays a crucial role in integrating sensory information and is responsible for the perception of stimuli in the [[contralateral]] field of vision. When this area is damaged, the brain may fail to register stimuli on the side opposite the lesion, especially when competing stimuli are present on the same side as the lesion.


==Causes==
== Clinical Presentation ==
The primary cause of extinction is damage to the [[parietal lobe]], which is responsible for integrating sensory information from different parts of the body. This damage can result from various conditions, including:
Patients with extinction may not report any symptoms when stimuli are presented individually. However, when two stimuli are presented simultaneously, one on each side of the body, the patient may only perceive the stimulus on the side ipsilateral to the brain lesion. This can be tested using [[neurological examination]] techniques such as the [[double simultaneous stimulation test]].
* [[Stroke]]
* [[Traumatic brain injury]]
* [[Brain tumors]]
* [[Neurodegenerative diseases]]
 
==Symptoms==
Patients with extinction may exhibit the following symptoms:
* Inability to perceive simultaneous stimuli on both sides of the body
* Difficulty in recognizing objects or people on the affected side
* Impaired spatial awareness
 
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of extinction involves a series of tests conducted by a neurologist. These tests may include:
* [[Visual field test]]s
* [[Tactile stimulation]] tests
* [[Auditory processing]] tests
 
During these tests, the patient is asked to respond to stimuli presented to one or both sides of their body. The inability to detect stimuli on the affected side when presented simultaneously is indicative of extinction.


==Treatment==
== Diagnosis ==
Treatment for extinction focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the brain damage. This may involve:
The diagnosis of extinction is primarily clinical and involves a thorough [[neurological examination]]. Tests such as the [[double simultaneous stimulation test]] are used to assess the presence and extent of extinction. [[Neuroimaging]] techniques, such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]], may be employed to identify the location and extent of brain lesions.
* [[Physical therapy]]
* [[Occupational therapy]]
* [[Cognitive rehabilitation]]
* Medications to manage symptoms of the underlying condition


==Prognosis==
== Treatment ==
The prognosis for patients with extinction varies depending on the severity and cause of the brain damage. Some patients may experience significant improvement with rehabilitation, while others may have persistent symptoms.
There is no specific treatment for extinction, but [[rehabilitation]] strategies can help patients improve their attentional capacities. [[Occupational therapy]] and [[physical therapy]] may be beneficial in helping patients adapt to their deficits. In some cases, [[cognitive rehabilitation]] techniques are used to enhance awareness and attention to the affected side.


==Related Pages==
== See Also ==
* [[Unilateral neglect]]
* [[Neglect (neurology)]]
* [[Parietal lobe]]
* [[Parietal lobe]]
* [[Stroke]]
* [[Stroke]]
* [[Traumatic brain injury]]
* [[Neurodegenerative diseases]]
==Categories==
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Neuropsychology]]
[[Category:Neuropsychology]]
[[Category:Brain disorders]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
 
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:27, 4 May 2025

Grays anatomy picture 742

Extinction is a neurological disorder that occurs when a person is unable to perceive a stimulus on one side of their body when a similar stimulus is presented simultaneously on the opposite side. This phenomenon is often observed in patients who have suffered damage to the parietal lobe of the brain, particularly following a stroke.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Extinction is typically associated with lesions in the right hemisphere of the brain, which can lead to deficits in spatial attention. The parietal lobe plays a crucial role in integrating sensory information and is responsible for the perception of stimuli in the contralateral field of vision. When this area is damaged, the brain may fail to register stimuli on the side opposite the lesion, especially when competing stimuli are present on the same side as the lesion.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Patients with extinction may not report any symptoms when stimuli are presented individually. However, when two stimuli are presented simultaneously, one on each side of the body, the patient may only perceive the stimulus on the side ipsilateral to the brain lesion. This can be tested using neurological examination techniques such as the double simultaneous stimulation test.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of extinction is primarily clinical and involves a thorough neurological examination. Tests such as the double simultaneous stimulation test are used to assess the presence and extent of extinction. Neuroimaging techniques, such as MRI or CT scan, may be employed to identify the location and extent of brain lesions.

Treatment[edit]

There is no specific treatment for extinction, but rehabilitation strategies can help patients improve their attentional capacities. Occupational therapy and physical therapy may be beneficial in helping patients adapt to their deficits. In some cases, cognitive rehabilitation techniques are used to enhance awareness and attention to the affected side.

See Also[edit]