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Right Brain Stroke

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Right Brain Stroke

(Stroke, Right-side; Right Hemisphere Stroke; Stroke, Right Hemisphere)

Definition

A right brain stroke happens when blood supply to the right side of the brain is stopped. The right side of the brain is in charge of the left side of the body. It also does some thought processing, helps us know body position, and judges space and distance.

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke is the most common type.

Medical care is needed right away. Cells in the brain die if they are without oxygen for more than a few minutes. This can be deadly.
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Causes

An ischemic stroke happens when blood flow is blocked. This may be caused by:

  • A clot from another part of the body that breaks off and becomes trapped in a blood vessel supplying the brain
  • A clot that forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brain
  • A tear in an artery supplying blood to the brain

A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a burst blood vessel. Blood pools in the brain. This slows or stops the flow of blood and causes a buildup of pressure on the brain.

Hemorrhagic vs. Ischemic Stroke.

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Risk Factors

This problem is more common in older adults and people with a family history of stroke.

Problems that affect blood vessel health and blood flow can raise the risk of stroke. Some examples are:

Daily habits can also play a role. Some examples are:

  • Smoking
  • A diet that is high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium
  • Physical inactivity
  • Drug abuse from cocaine, amphetamines, or heroin use

Symptoms

Symptoms can happen suddenly. A person may have:

  • Muscle weakness on the left side of the body
  • Vision problems, including problems seeing from the left side of each eye
  • Hearing problems
  • Sensory changes on the left side of the body
  • Problems with depth perception or directions
  • Problems with balance or a feeling of spinning when a person is still
  • Memory problems
  • Difficulty understanding, problem solving, and making decisions
  • Problems breathing
  • Problems chewing, swallowing, and speaking

Diagnosis

A stroke needs to be diagnosed quickly. The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will look for signs of nerve or brain problems.

Blood tests may be done to look for clotting problems.

Images may be taken of the brain. This can be done with:

Heart function will be checked. This can be done with:

Treatment

Emergency care will be needed. The heart and lungs may need support. A tube may also be placed to help with breathing. Other options are:

Prevention

The risk of stroke can be lowered by:

  • Managing chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
  • Keeping a healthy weight through diet and exercise
  • Eating a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
  • Not smoking
  • Limiting alcohol

Medications

For an ischemic stroke, medicine may be given to:

  • Dissolve clots and prevent new ones from forming
  • Thin blood

For a hemorrhagic stroke, medicine may be given to:

  • Work against any blood-thinning drugs a person has been taking
  • Reduce how the brain reacts to bleeding
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References

  • Effects of stroke. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/effects-of-stroke.
  • Hemorrhagic strokes (bleeds). American Stroke Association website. Available at: https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/hemorrhagic-strokes-bleeds.
  • Intracerebral hemorrhage. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/intracerebral-hemorrhage.
  • Ischemic strokes (clots). American Stroke Association website. Available at: American Stroke Association website. Available at: https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/ischemic-stroke-clots#.Vk3ipE2FPIU.
  • Long-term management of stroke. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/long-term-management-of-stroke.
  • Medelson, S.A. and Prabhakaran, S. Pace of progress in stroke thrombolysis: are hospitals running to stand still? Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 2017; 10 (1): e003438.
  • Neuroimaging for acute stroke. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/evaluation/neuroimaging-for-acute-stroke.
  • Stroke (acute management). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/stroke-acute-management-1.
  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/subarachnoid-hemorrhage.
  • 1/18/2017 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/prevention/cardiovascular-disease-possible-risk-factors: Emdin, C.A., Odutayo, A., et al. Meta-analysis of anxiety as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Cardiology, 2016; 118 (4): 511-519.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.