Buccal hemineglect.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the peripersonal and intrapersonal buccal space can be affected by a hemispheric stroke and to evaluate the clinical signs resulting from buccal neglect.


METHODS
A prospective study comparing 2 groups of patients with hemiplegia, 1 with a right hemispheric lesion and the other with a left hemispheric lesion. Patients were selected consecutively on the basis of specific criteria at least 1 month after stroke.


RESULTS
Buccal hemineglect was usually concomitant with other hemineglect phenomena resulting from lesions of the right hemisphere (10 of 12 in right lesions and 1 of 12 in left lesions). Clinical signs associated with this condition consisted of impaired swallowing (retention, defective insalivation, presence of food debris in the left hemibuccal space, loss of saliva from the left side of the mouth, and choking); loss of the ability to perceive salty, sweet, or acid tastes; and impaired buccal representation. These problems were usually incorrectly diagnosed initially. Outcome was usually favorable, but functional disorders persisted in some patients for more than 18 months. The underlying attention and representation mechanisms are discussed with reference to experimental lesions of the postarcuate (area 6) cortex in rhesus monkeys. The area around the mouth may be considered to be, as in monkeys, a peripersonal space, ie, probably of little functional importance. The lesion may involve area 6 or its projections to the thalamus or posterior parietal cortex.


CONCLUSIONS
Buccal hemineglect, which is likely to cause social embarrassment, should be considered whenever the oral phase of swallowing is impaired in a context of neglect syndromes. Prophylactic measures and rehabilitation can reduce the impact and complications of the condition (food bolus).
André
J M
JM
Institut Régional de Réadaptation de Nancy, 35, rue Lionnois, 54042 Nancy-Cedex, France. jmandre@irr.u-nancy.fr
Beis
J M
JM
Morin
N
N
Paysant
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002610:Cheek / Q000294:innervation* / Q000473:pathology; D003679:Deglutition; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010468:Perceptual Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012472:Salivation; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D013649:Taste