A patient has right side brain damage from a stroke. Which signs and symptoms might be present?

In a patient with right-sided brain damage due to a stroke, the most characteristic symptoms include unilateral neglect, which is a failure to attend to or respond to stimuli on the opposite side of the body. This typically manifests as the individual ignoring the left side of their body, as the right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for spatial awareness and attention in both hemispheres.

While confusion regarding time, date, and place is often associated with damage to the dominant hemisphere (usually the left side for right-handed individuals), the right hemisphere is more involved with non-verbal tasks and emotional perception, leading to challenges in spatial and perceptual skills rather than direct confusion. Therefore, unilateral neglect is a more classic symptom resulting from right hemisphere damage.

In addition to unilateral neglect, right-sided brain injuries may also lead to problems with visual-spatial abilities and understanding non-verbal cues, further impacting the patient's ability to function effectively. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for developing appropriate rehabilitation strategies and support for patients recovering from strokes or similar neurological conditions.