Neurophysiology and special senses: hemispatial neglect: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Neurophysiology and special senses: hemispatial neglect

Sample item

After a right parietal stroke, a man ignores the left side of space, leaving food on the left of his plate and shaving only the right side of his face. Visual fields are full on confrontation and elementary sensation is intact. What is the deficit?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Contralateral hemispatial neglect from non-dominant parietal damage

The non-dominant (usually right) parietal lobe directs attention to both sides of space, whereas the left parietal lobe attends mainly to the right. A right parietal lesion therefore leaves the patient unaware of the left side, despite intact primary sensation and vision. This differs from hemianopia, where the patient is aware of the defect and compensates.

Option by option

  • A. Astereognosis from dorsal column damage

    Astereognosis is failure to recognise objects by touch and does not explain ignoring half of space.

  • B. Left homonymous hemianopia from optic radiation damage

    Visual fields are full on confrontation, so hemianopia is excluded.

  • C. Broca's aphasia from frontal damage

    Broca's aphasia affects speech production, which is not described.

  • D. Contralateral hemispatial neglect from non-dominant parietal damage (correct)

    Correct. Neglect is an attention deficit with preserved primary sensory function.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is D, Contralateral hemispatial neglect from non-dominant parietal damage. The non-dominant (usually right) parietal lobe directs attention to both sides of space, whereas the left parietal lobe attends mainly to the right.

Why is "Astereognosis from dorsal column damage" not the answer?

Astereognosis is failure to recognise objects by touch and does not explain ignoring half of space.

Why is "Left homonymous hemianopia from optic radiation damage" not the answer?

Visual fields are full on confrontation, so hemianopia is excluded.

Why is "Broca's aphasia from frontal damage" not the answer?

Broca's aphasia affects speech production, which is not described.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology and special senses: hemispatial neglect in Physiology. A right parietal lesion therefore leaves the patient unaware of the left side, despite intact primary sensation and vision. This differs from hemianopia, where the patient is aware of the defect and compensates.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurophysiology and special senses: hemispatial neglect?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.