Disorders of attention occur in frontal lobe syndromes and other focal encephalopathies. Digit span is one test of attention, and attention is an important element of other tests such as serial sevens which also test focal brain function. This is manifested as wandering off the topic, missing out relevant details, providing trivial information, and being easily distracted. With disorders of attention, the patient has difficulty maintaining a coherent sequence of thought, conversation or action. It requires the appropriate sensitivity to perceive one low intensity stimulus of importance in the midst of many stronger stimuli. It has to allow for distractibility or the ability to shift the focus of attention when a more important stimulus appears. It requires continuity of concentration which requires effort. It is automatically generated and passive but can be directed or focused towards one stimulus while others are ignored. Reduced attention and distractibilityĪttention is a complex process comprising several components. The history and examination should be directed to look at the following.
0 kommentar(er)
