Right-hemisphere strokes cause left-sided weakness plus impaired judgment and impulsivity. Left-hemisphere strokes cause right-sided weakness plus depression, anxiety, and language problems. The motor deficits always appear opposite the damaged side.
Here's a key nclex point to know for the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Now, if there is a stroke on the right side of the brain, it's going to affect the left side of the body. And if there's a stroke on the left side of the brain, it's going to affect the right side of the body. So it is opposite. So if it's a right side brain stroke, it's going to cause impaired judgment, impulsiveness, inappropriate actions, spatial impairment and memory impairment. If it's on the left side of the brain, it's going to cause depression or anxiety. The patient's going to be more cautious. They could have language impairment or reasoning impairment, and also memory impairment. You can find all these med surg flashcards inside the nursing SOS shop.
