A stroke can result in behavioral changes. These changes can
vary and are based on the stroke's severity and the part of
the brain in which the stroke takes place.
The largest portion of the brain-the cerebral
cortex-has two hemispheres. The right hemisphere of the brain
controls nonverbal communication, emotions and spatial orientation
or sense of body position. The left hemisphere of the brain
controls the right side of the body and is the brain's
language center. The left hemisphere also is largely responsible
for analytical thinking.
Right-brain injury
Damage to this side of the brain can cause a range of problems in a
person's emotions and behavior. A stroke survivor with
right-brain injury may be unaware of his or her impairment and be
certain that he or she can perform the same tasks as before the
stroke. This individual also may experience emotional lability,
poor judgment, short attention span and short-term memory loss.
Often, the spatial-perceptual difficulties involved in
right-brain injuries are overlooked. When individuals with
right-brain injuries have problems performing simple activities,
these individuals may be seen as uncooperative, confused, overly
dependent or unmotivated.
Caregivers can take steps to help stroke survivors deal with
limitations of right-brain injury once those limitations are
realized. If you are a stroke survivor with a right-brain injury,
it is important that you are aware of potential dangers in your
environment. The following are some tips:
For stroke survivors with right-brain injury, it is important
to:
- Keep a safe environment. All items that have the
potential to be dangerous (e.g., poisons, cleaning chemicals and
sharp objects) should be kept in a safe place.
- Remember to scan (turn your head from side to side) in
order to see what would usually be ignored on the affected
side.
- Acknowledge the affected part of your body as still a part
of you. Remember the affected side of your body by touching it
or rubbing it.
- Don't try to handle all activities alone. Ask for
help if you are in a situation where you may become injured or
confused.
- Encourage caregivers to be sensitive to your visual and
sensory difficulties. For instance, make sure that caregivers
place items that you may need on your right side if you cannot
perceive things on your left side.
- Minimize environmental clutter and distractions. Too
much visual or auditory stimulation in your environment may be
dangerous and may add to your confusion. Calm and quiet
surroundings can help you focus on a given task.
- Help prevent injuries that may result from your
inability to determine depth and distance. Make sure that pointed
edges on things such as furniture and doorways are clearly
marked.