A stroke can change a person’s life in minutes, affecting how they move, speak, and think. Depending on where it occurs in the brain, the effects can look very different from one person to another.
Dr. Sujani Bandela, a stroke specialist at University Health, says one of the most important distinctions is whether the stroke happens on the left or right side of the brain.
Throughout this article, Dr. Bandela will explain the differences between left- and right-brain strokes and how you can recognize warning signs faster and get life-saving care.
Why the Part of the Brain Matters in Strokes
The brain is divided into two hemispheres: the left and the right. Each side of the body controls different functions and plays a role in how a stroke affects the brain.
The brain’s left and right hemispheres also control opposite sides of the body. This means a stroke on the left side of the brain affects the opposite (right) side of the body and vice versa. This happens because nerve pathways cross at the base of the brain, called the brainstem.
Left Brain Stroke
A left-sided stroke occurs when blood flow to the left hemisphere of the brain is interrupted. If a stroke occurs in the left side of the brain, those abilities are affected to some extent, depending on how severe the stroke is. Left brain strokes impact a person's right side of the body.
“Most of the general population is right-handed, meaning their left side of the brain is the dominant hemisphere. This dominant hemisphere is more involved in language and analytical thinking,” said Dr. Bandela.
Common Symptoms of a Left-Sided Stroke:
- Weakness or paralysis on the right side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding language (aphasia)
- Trouble reading, writing or processing information
- Memory challenges
- Slower, more cautious behavior
Because the left side of the brain controls communication, people often notice symptoms of a left-sided stroke more quickly, which can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment.
Right Brain Stroke
A right-sided stroke affects the right hemisphere of the brain, which controls spatial awareness, attention and visual processing.
These strokes impact the left side of the body and can sometimes be harder to recognize right away.
Common Symptoms of a Right-Sided Stroke:
- Weakness or paralysis on the left side of the body
- Poor depth perception or spatial awareness
- Difficulty recognizing faces or familiar places
- Impulsive behavior or poor judgment
- Reduced awareness of symptoms (a condition called anosognosia)
Some people may not realize they’re having a stroke, which can delay care. That’s why recognizing common symptoms is critical. Learn how to spot them using the BE FAST method.
How the Side of the Brain Impacts Outcomes
Many people ask: Which is worse — a left or right side stroke?
The answer depends on several factors, including:
- The size and severity of the stroke
- How quickly treatment begins
- The specific area of the brain affected
“Strokes that affect the dominant side of the brain, which in right-handed people would be the left side and vice versa, are generally more severe with symptoms and recovery,” Dr. Bandela said. “Recovery in cases like this requires extensive speech therapy, which I have seen help significantly.”
With that said, though, while the part of the brain plays a key role, ultimately, the benefits of rehabilitationafter a stroke play an equally important role in restoring abilities and preventing a second stroke. With the brain healing and rewiring called neuroplasticity and neuro-rehabilitation, there is much healing and recovery after the acute phase of the stroke.
“The contralateral weakness that occurs in stroke involving either side of the brain can be equally disabling,” Dr. Bandela adds. “This recovery would necessitate physical, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, which are all pivotal to the process.”
Comprehensive Stroke Care at University Health
At University Health, our stroke team is trained to act quickly because every minute matters when treating a stroke.
From emergency response to recovery, we provide a full continuum of care through our certified, Comprehensive Stroke Center, which holds the highest level of stroke certification available or JCAHO certification. There are multiple specialists involved, and it takes a team to bring comprehensive care.
