Side effects of stroke on right side of brain
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Summary
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These studies suggest that a stroke on the right side of the brain can lead to visual perception deficits, reduced heart rate variability, and decreased hand dexterity.
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Side Effects of Stroke on the Right Side of the Brain
Visual Neglect and Extinction
One of the most significant side effects of a stroke on the right side of the brain is visual neglect and extinction. Patients often experience asymmetric visual perception, even in the absence of overt clinical signs. This condition manifests as a reduction in visual processing speed on the left side when viewing unilateral displays. This visual asymmetry is particularly pronounced in patients with damage to the putamen and surrounding white matter. Additionally, when presented with bilateral displays, many patients exhibit an increased visual asymmetry, known as the extinction effect, especially those with large cortico-subcortical lesions.
Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction
Right-sided strokes can also lead to reduced heart rate variability, which is a measure of the autonomic nervous system's control over the heart. This reduction is primarily due to impaired parasympathetic function. Studies have shown that patients with right-sided strokes have significantly lower respiratory heart rate variability compared to those with left-sided strokes and healthy controls. This imbalance in cardiac autonomic innervation can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death, highlighting the critical impact of stroke lateralization on cardiovascular health.
Ipsilesional Hand Function Impairment
Another notable effect of right-sided brain lesions is the impairment of ipsilesional hand function. While stroke survivors generally retain the ability to produce maximum strength with their ipsilesional hand, their dexterity is often compromised. Tests such as the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) reveal that individuals with right brain damage perform worse in tasks requiring fine motor skills compared to those with left brain damage. This suggests that right-sided strokes particularly affect the dexterity of the ipsilesional hand and digits.
Conclusion
Strokes on the right side of the brain can lead to a range of side effects, including visual neglect and extinction, reduced heart rate variability, and impaired ipsilesional hand function. These effects underscore the importance of targeted rehabilitation strategies to address the specific deficits associated with right-sided brain lesions. Understanding these side effects can help in developing better therapeutic interventions to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors.
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