The effects of a stroke depend on the location of the obstruction and how much brain tissue is damaged. Every stroke is unique. Although any section of the brain can be targeted, most often the destruction occurs in the left or right side of the brain. One side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body. But one-sided weakness is not the only aftermath of a stroke. It can impair reasoning, emotions, perceptions and memory. Below are some examples.
Right Brain
- Weakness or paralysis on the left side of the body and face
- Decreased feeling or sensation on the left side of the body
- Vision problems, which may include loss of vision on the left side of both eyes
- Lack of awareness of impairment (left-sided neglect)
- Behavioral changes, such as impulsivity and inappropriateness
- Decrease in judgment, problem solving and decision making
- Memory impairment
Left Brain
- Weakness or paralysis on the right side of the body and face
- Decreased feeling or sensation on the right side of the body
- Vision problems, which may include loss of vision on the right side of both eyes
- Problems with speech and understanding language
- Behavioral changes, such as cautiousness and hesitancy
- Impaired ability to organize and reason
- Memory impairment
