Date of Award

Spring 1-17-2023

Embargo Period

1-20-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health & Rehabilitation Science

Department

Health Sciences and Research

College

College of Health Professions

First Advisor

Michelle Woodbury

Second Advisor

Emily Grattan

Third Advisor

Annie Simpson

Fourth Advisor

Chris Gregory

Abstract

Pediatric unilateral brain damage is a costly, impactful condition. There are many subsequent impairments that children experience after pediatric unilateral brain damage, two of which are unilateral spatial neglect (USN) and balance impairments. This project aims to compile the existing literature regarding USN in children, analyze insurance billing data to characterize the population, and evaluate balance and USN in a small case-control cohort of children with and without unilateral brain damage. The literature search elucidated the scant literature available addressing USN, including a lack of quality assessments to definitively identify USN. Insurance billing analyses showed an incredibly heterogeneous group, very little identifiable rehabilitation, high cost of medical care, and very little imaging. In a case-control cohort, there were qualitative differences in the way balance is measured between assessments, as well as how children with and without unilateral brain damage visually interpret the world around them. These findings will likely lead to future studies to develop assessments appropriate for this population, investigations into the role of vision and perception in development, and rehabilitation utilization studies. As this population continues to grow, both in age and in number, research to help children lead full, fulfilling lives will remain an important scientific interest.

Rights

Copyright is held by the author. All rights reserved.

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