Focussed attention refers to the ability of our attention system to be ‘caught’ by a specific stimulus (e.g. a noise, pain, a light flash, our name) to which we can then respond. Most people with brain injury, unless they remain in a coma, regain focussed attention, though this may initially be limited to their own internal experiences (e.g. of pain or discomfort). As they recover, they may be increasingly responsive to external stimuli, but not always the most helpful or useful stimuli. Focussed attention is a therefore a rapid process whereby our attention is grabbed by something to which we can then respond. Please note that, in the context of neurological rehabilitation, Focussed attention does not refer to the ability to sustain attention, however, it is a necessary prerequisite for other types of attention.
Selective attention refers to the ability of the attentional system to selectively attend and then respond to specific, important stimuli whilst ignoring other irrelevant stimuli. These other, irrelevant stimuli are screened out (unless they are important and require action such as alarms) so that the person can direct attention to the important stimulus. Selective attention also requires the ability to screen out internally generated stimuli (i.e. our own thoughts and preoccupations) in order to engage with a task.
The brain filters out the noises, visual or tactile events that it considers less important at that time and enables us to respond to and achieve the relevant objective (e.g. work, read a book, construct something, listen to a speaker, play a computer game etc).
Selective attention is often impaired following brain injury and impairment may cause difficulties with:
- Increased distractibility e.g. to noise, light, movement, other people, pain, the person’s own thoughts and concerns.
- Completing everyday tasks such as washing and dressing.
- Understanding and taking in information.
- Following a conversation.
- Maintaining the topic of a conversation.
- Managing to get things done, including work.
Problems with selective attention may make the person appear quite chaotic and disorganised in their approach to tasks.
Definition: A ‘stimulus’ is something that requires or causes a response. A stimulus may have its origin in ‘external’ events (e.g. a noise, bright light) or ‘internal’ (e.g. a thought, preoccupations, pain, discomfort, feelings).