A right-sided stroke occurs when blood flow to the right hemisphere of the brain is interrupted. Because the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, this type of stroke typically affects movement, sensation, and perception on the left side.
Possible Effects of a Right-Sided Stroke:
- Weakness or reduced sensation on the left side of the body
- Left-side neglect, where a person may not notice things on their left
- Left-side vision loss
- Communication difficulties, especially related to social interaction and higher-level thinking skills
Communication Difficulties After a Right-Sided Stroke
A right-sided stroke may result in Right Hemisphere Disorder (RHD), which can impact:
- Pragmatics – Challenges with understanding social cues, tone, humour, and the intent behind messages
- Discourse – Difficulty staying on topic, organising thoughts, or following conversations
- Cognitive-Communication Skills – Issues with attention, memory, reasoning, and self-awareness, all of which are essential for effective communication
These communication challenges can lead to social withdrawal, frustration, and low self-esteem.
How Can a Speech Pathologist Help?
Individual Therapy Sessions:
- Teach strategies for more effective communication, including training both the individual and their communication partners
- Use tools like role-play, coaching, and feedback to build skills
- Support the person to become more aware of how their communication has changed
Group Therapy Sessions:
- Provide a safe space to practice conversation and social skills
- Encourage peer interaction to build confidence and reduce isolation
- Offer guided feedback and support during group discussions