Stroke on right side of brain what is damaged
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Summary
8 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that a stroke on the right side of the brain can lead to left spatial neglect, attentional loss, visual perception deficits, cardiovascular and autonomic dysfunction, increased mortality, long-term disability, and challenges in complex balance tasks.
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Impact of Right-Sided Brain Stroke: Damaged Functions and Clinical Outcomes
Visual and Somatosensory Deficits in Right Hemisphere Stroke
Strokes affecting the right side of the brain often result in significant visual and somatosensory deficits. Patients with right hemisphere damage frequently experience hemianopia (loss of vision in half of the visual field), hemianaesthesia (loss of sensation on one side of the body), and hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body). These deficits are typically contralateral, meaning they affect the left side of the body. The higher incidence of these disorders in right hemisphere strokes is partly due to the phenomenon of left spatial neglect, where patients fail to attend to the left side of their environment.
Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN) and Right Hemisphere Damage
Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is a common and severe consequence of right hemisphere strokes. USN is characterized by an impaired ability to detect, respond to, or act upon stimuli on the side opposite the brain lesion, leading to significant functional disability. Studies using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) have shown that patients with USN exhibit weaker resting-state functional connectivity in the right cerebral cortex compared to those without USN. This reduced connectivity is associated with altered topological properties of the brain's functional network, which can be used to accurately classify patients with USN.
Visual Inattention and Right Hemisphere Lesions
Visual neglect and extinction are well-documented effects of right hemisphere lesions. Even in the absence of overt clinical signs, patients with right-sided brain damage often exhibit asymmetric visual perception, with a notable reduction in visual processing speed on the left side. This visual asymmetry is linked to damage in specific brain regions, such as the putamen and surrounding white matter, and can be exacerbated by bilateral visual displays.
Cognitive and Emotional Impairments
Right hemisphere strokes can lead to several cognitive and emotional impairments, including spatial neglect, anosognosia (lack of awareness of one's own disability), emotional processing disorders, and alien hand syndrome. These cognitive syndromes significantly impact the patient's ability to function independently and integrate back into family and community life. Rehabilitation efforts must address these specific deficits to improve long-term outcomes.
Motor and Balance Challenges
Patients with right hemisphere damage often face greater challenges in motor control and balance compared to those with left hemisphere damage. While stroke survivors can learn balance tasks, those with right hemisphere injuries tend to make more errors, especially in tasks of higher complexity. This suggests that the right hemisphere plays a crucial role in postural control and motor learning.
Cardiovascular and Autonomic Dysfunction
Right hemisphere strokes are associated with distinct cardiovascular and autonomic dysfunctions, which can adversely affect both short- and long-term outcomes. The right brain's unique blood flow characteristics may make it more susceptible to embolic and silent infarcts, further complicating recovery.
Functional Outcomes and Infarct Location
The location of the infarct within the right hemisphere significantly influences functional outcomes. For instance, damage to the cortical M3 and M6 regions is particularly relevant in predicting recovery and functional status at three months post-stroke. Understanding these regional impacts can help clinicians make more informed decisions during both acute and chronic stages of stroke management.
Conclusion
Right-sided brain strokes result in a range of deficits, including visual and somatosensory impairments, cognitive and emotional challenges, and motor and balance difficulties. These outcomes are influenced by the specific regions of the brain affected and the unique characteristics of the right hemisphere. Effective rehabilitation and targeted interventions are essential to mitigate these deficits and improve the quality of life for stroke survivors.
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