What are the affects of a stroke occurring on the right side of the brain vs the left side of the brain

Strokes occurring on the right side of the brain versus the left side of the brain can result in different sets of symptoms and effects due to the distinct functions and control areas of each hemisphere.

Effects of a Stroke on the Right Side of the Brain:

• Left-side Weakness or Paralysis: A stroke on the right side of the brain can cause weakness or paralysis on the left side of the body (contralateral side).
• Spatial Awareness and Neglect: Right-brain strokes might lead to spatial awareness issues, neglect, or lack of attention to the left side of the body or space. Patients may ignore or be unaware of objects or people on their left side.
• Visual-Spatial Impairments: Individuals might experience difficulties with visual perception, judging distances, or recognizing spatial relationships.
• Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Right-brain strokes can result in emotional changes, such as impulsivity, poor judgment, flat affect, or difficulty in understanding or expressing emotions.

Effects of a Stroke on the Left Side of the Brain:

• Right-side Weakness or Paralysis: A stroke on the left side of the brain can cause weakness or paralysis on the right side of the body (contralateral side).
• Language and Speech Impairments: Left-brain strokes often result in aphasia, which affects language comprehension, expression, reading, and writing abilities. Broca's aphasia (difficulty speaking) or Wernicke's aphasia (difficulty understanding language) are common.
• Sequential and Logical Thinking: The left hemisphere is associated with logic, reasoning, and sequential processing. A stroke in this area may impact problem-solving abilities and organized thinking.
• Motor Skills and Coordination: Left-brain strokes may affect fine motor skills and coordination on the right side of the body.