Understanding Stroke Impacts: Which Side Of Body Suffers?

A stroke occurs when there is an abrupt interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing a loss of neurological function. The brain is divided into two sides, the right and left hemispheres, and each side controls the opposite side of the body. Therefore, a stroke on the left side of the brain will affect the right side of the body and vice versa. The effects of a stroke depend on the location and extent of the damage to the brain tissue. Common effects of a left-brain stroke include paralysis on the right side of the body, sensory changes, speech and language problems, and slow and cautious behaviour. A stroke on the right side of the brain can result in paralysis on the left side of the body, spatial thinking and imagery problems, quick and inquisitive behaviour, and sensory changes on the left side of the body.

Paralysis on the left side of the body

The effects of a stroke depend on where it occurs in the brain. The brain is divided into three main areas: the cerebrum (left and right sides), the cerebellum (back of the brain), and the brain stem (base of the brain). The cerebrum controls movement and feeling, with each hemisphere controlling the opposite side of the body. So, a stroke on the right side of the cerebrum will affect the left side of the body and can result in left hemiplegia.

Left hemiplegia can affect the entire left side of the body, including the trunk and postural muscles, which can impact balance, proprioception, and stability. The muscles of the face are also commonly affected, causing issues with speech, facial expression, and eating.

Left hemiplegia can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Abnormal muscle tone
• Difficulty with everyday movements such as sitting upright, standing, walking, and transferring weight
• Fatigue due to increased energy requirements to perform everyday tasks
• Lack of active movement
• Impaired balance

Treatment for left hemiplegia focuses on intensive training of the affected side to promote recovery and neuroplasticity. This includes working with physical and occupational therapists to learn ways to target affected muscles and compensate for limited movement. Passive range-of-motion exercises can help reduce the risk of contractures and stimulate the central nervous system. Electrical stimulation and mental practice are also used to stimulate the nervous system and improve movement.

Speech and language issues

A stroke can cause a range of speech and language issues, known as communication problems, which can be distressing for the survivor and their loved ones. These issues are very common, with around one-third of stroke survivors experiencing problems with speaking, reading, writing, and understanding others.

Communication issues can arise when a stroke damages the part of the brain responsible for language processing. This is known as aphasia, a common language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate. Aphasia does not affect intelligence, but survivors may feel isolated as their speech may become jumbled, fragmented, or hard to understand. They may also struggle with reading and writing.

Dysarthria is another condition that can occur after a stroke, where the person is unable to control the muscles in their face, mouth, and throat, making it difficult to speak clearly. Their speech may become slurred, slow, or quiet.

Apraxia of speech is a similar condition, where the person cannot move the muscles in their face, mouth, and throat in the correct order to form words. This can make it difficult for others to understand them.

It is important to start rehabilitation as soon as possible after a stroke. Speech and language therapy can help stroke survivors improve their speech, reading, and writing skills. Therapists can also teach survivors and their families how to use communication tools such as charts, gestures, and electronic devices to aid communication.

Most communication issues will improve over time with treatment, but it is difficult to predict the rate of improvement, as it varies from person to person. However, issues tend to be most severe in the first few weeks, improving within the first three to six months.

Spatial orientation problems

• Trouble judging distance, for example, missing a table when putting down a glass or misjudging the size of objects
• Difficulty understanding their position in space and their rate of movement
• Overlooking people or objects on their affected side, or bumping into them
• Forgetting to dress one side of their body
• Only eating food on one side of their plate
• Only reading one side of a book or page
• Difficulty finding their way around as they may only notice doors, buildings, or streets on one side
• Only being able to process sound coming from one side

These issues can reduce a person's ability to live independently and increase the risk of physical injury and accidents. They are more common after a right-brain stroke, meaning the neglect will be on the left side.

Spatial neglect can be caused by a visual or sensory deficit caused by the stroke, or it may be the result of a perceptual problem. The person may not be able to take in information and make sense of the world around them.

Treatment for spatial neglect includes prism adaptation therapy, which has been shown to improve daily life independence.

Emotional outbursts

A stroke is an abrupt interruption of the constant blood flow to the brain, causing a loss of neurological function. The brain is divided into two sides – the right and left hemispheres – with each side controlling a unique set of abilities. The right hemisphere controls movement on the left side of the body, while the left hemisphere controls the right side.

A stroke on the left side of the brain can result in paralysis on the right side of the body, sensory changes, speech and language problems, and slow, cautious behaviour. On the other hand, a stroke on the right side of the brain can lead to paralysis on the left side of the body, spatial thinking or imagery issues, and quick, inquisitive behaviour.

One particular effect of a stroke on the right side of the brain is pseudobulbar affect (PBA), which can cause sudden, unpredictable emotional outbursts that don't match the situation. For example, a person with PBA may laugh at something sad or cry at something happy. These outbursts can be difficult to live with, as they may feel like they've lost control over their emotions. PBA can be distinguished from depression, although the two conditions can occur simultaneously.

In addition to PBA, strokes can also cause other emotional changes such as apathy, anger, and impulsive behaviour. The damage to the brain can make it difficult for survivors to control their emotions, leading to increased anger and aggression.

It's important to note that emotional problems can affect the recovery process, so it's crucial to seek help and support for any emotional changes following a stroke.

Poor decision-making

A stroke is an abrupt interruption of the constant blood flow to the brain, which can be caused by a blockage or bleeding in the brain. The brain is responsible for controlling motor and sensory functions throughout the body, including receiving and interpreting information from the senses, and thinking, remembering, understanding, planning, reasoning, and problem-solving.

When a stroke occurs, blood flow can be cut off to the region that controls a particular body function, resulting in that part of the body not working as it should. The effects of a stroke depend on the location and extent of the damage to the brain tissue.

If a stroke occurs in the right side of the brain, the left side of the body will be affected and vice versa. A stroke on the left side of the brain can result in paralysis on the right side of the body, sensory changes, speech and language problems, and slow, cautious behaviour. A stroke on the right side of the brain can lead to paralysis on the left side of the body, spatial thinking or imagery issues, and quick, inquisitive behaviour.

People who have experienced a stroke may find it challenging to make even simple decisions, such as choosing a toothpaste brand. They may become impulsive, making hasty decisions without thinking them through carefully. Poor judgement in relationships, financial matters, or business can have devastating consequences for the individual and their family.

Rehabilitation and therapy can help improve decision-making abilities after a stroke. This may include cognitive therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. It is important to start the rehabilitation process as soon as possible to promote positive changes and recovery.

Frequently asked questions