It occurs in the absence of paralysis, pyramidal syndromes, extrapyramidal symptoms, strength and primary sensory deficit.
[citation needed] Laplane and Degos coined the term motor neglect, giving this definition:"Absent or low use of spontaneous contralesional limb (lower and/or higher), despite preserved motor skills...not explained by weakness or lack of sensitivity, it improves with the verbal suggestion".
[3] Motor neglect concerns all proximal and distal movements, involving both the upper and lower limb in automatic gestures.
Taxonomy of motor neglect symptoms is diverse: poor use of the affected limb, difficulty in bimanual activities (such as opening a bottle), spontaneous gestures reduced especially while speaking and, lack of "swing" of the arm while walking.
Patients are slowed down when they have to perform an action with the non-neglected limb in space account side, despite preservation of control and motor coordination.