There are some common symptoms in left and right side stroke, but various symptoms occur depending on the affected part of the brain stroke.

5 symptoms of left/right stroke

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S
[http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/]. It is a
fairly common disease. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms after
stroke properly and to take an action quickly.



Stroke is divided into left and right side stroke according to the affected
area. There are some common symptoms in both types, but various symptoms occur
depending on the affected part of the brain stroke.

To help you understand, I will briefly explain the function and structure of the
brain, and then we will look at the symptoms of the left and right sided stroke.


Table of contents

 * About the brain
 * Symptoms - left side stroke
 * Symptoms - right side stroke
 * Symptoms - cerebellum/brainstem stroke
 * Conclusion


About the brain
The brain roles are quite diverse like below.

 * Responsible for activities such as movement, memory, sensing, language,
   learning, and emotions
 * Regulates survival functions like metabolism
 * Takes up 2% of body space, but it consumes 20% of the body’s energy!

The brain is a small organ with an average weight of 1,400g for an adult male
and 1,250g for an adult female. Yet, it’s a rather incredibly complex one: made
up of 100 billion neurons and 1,000 trillion synapses.

The brain is divided into 3 main areas:


1) Cerebrum
The cerebrum is the biggest part of the brain. The brain is made up of 2
hemispheres, the left hemisphere, and the right hemisphere. Each hemisphere is
responsible for controlling different functions in our bodies.

For example, the left hemisphere is responsible for: logic, language skills,
oral function, sequencing, linear thinking, mathematics, critical thinking, and
judgment/reasoning. The right hemisphere is responsible for: imagination, art,
nonverbal cues, visualization, rhythm, and intuition.

Typically, if someone tends to be more creative and artistic, people often refer
to them as ‘right-brained’ thinkers. If someone is more analytical and
mathematical, they are usually referred to as ‘left-brained’ thinkers.
Physically the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and
the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body.

For example, if the left side of the body is affected, then the stroke likely
happened in the right hemisphere. What if the right side of the body is
affected? You guessed it, the left hemisphere of the brain was affected by the
stroke. This is called a contralateral relationship.


2) Cerebellum
The cerebellum is located in the back of the cerebrum. It is called a small
cerebrum and the number of nerve cells is greater than that of the cerebrum. The
cerebellum is involved in controlling muscle tones, such as muscle stiffness.
Since the joints and muscles of the gross motor, such as walking, standing, and
sitting, are stored in the cerebellum, the cerebellum serves to control body
movements.


3) Brainstem
The brainstem is located in the middle of the brain, excluding the left and
right cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum. And it connects the brain and spinal
cord. Since the brainstem plays a major role, the damage to the brainstem is
directly related to life.

 1. Life-sustaining functions such as breathing, consciousness, and temperature
    control
 2. Passage function that transmits movement and sensory signals


5 Symptoms of left/right stroke


Common symptoms of left side stroke
Every stroke is different and will affect people differently based on their
severity. However, if someone has a left side stroke it can cause the following
5 symptoms:



 1. Weakness or paralysis to the right side of the body
    Weakness is caused by damage to the brain and not damage to the limb itself.
    
    
 2. Aphasia(speaking, language problems)
    Since the left side of the brain controls language many people who have
    suffered from a left-sided stroke may have difficulties speaking or
    understanding language, this is called aphasia.
    
    
 3. Cognitive impairments
    The left side of the brain controls critical thinking, judgment, reasoning,
    and sequencing, therefore, having a stroke on the left side of the brain can
    cause someone to have varying levels of cognitive impairments.
    
    
 4. Difficulties swallowing
    [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/swallowing-changes-after-stroke]
    The left side of the brain controls all oral functions which include chewing
    and swallowing. After a left-sided stroke one may have trouble chewing and
    swallowing. One may be put on a feeding tube until they are able to relearn
    how to swallow or chew.
    
    
 5. Visual impairments
    [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/vision-changes-after-stroke]
    After having a stroke on the left side of the brain it is common for someone
    to suffer from visual impairments in the right eye. It is common for someone
    to lose half of their visual field in their right eye which is called
    hemianopia. One may also present with neglect to the right side of the body
    which is called visuospatial neglect.
    
    

All of the above-noted symptoms of a left-sided stroke are caused by damage in
the brain. In order to retrain the brain after a left-sided stroke, it is
important to strengthen the neural pathways that control all of these behaviors
and movements by doing repetitive exercises. The more repetitive exercises and
movements one does, the stronger the pathways in the brain will become. This is
called neuroplasticity.



Common Symptoms of Right Side Stroke
The right side of the brain controls the ability to pay attention, recognize
things you see, hear or touch, and be aware of your own body. Below are some
common symptoms that right side stroke includes.



 1. Weakness or paralysis to the left side of the body
    Weakness is caused by damage to the brain, not damage to the limb itself.
    
    
 2. Agnosia
    The ability to recognize objects, faces, voices or places can change. It is
    the inability to recognize an object without visual or intellectual damage
    after a brain injury. In most cases, after rehabilitation treatment after
    brain injury, when the body's ability to recognize increases, the symptoms
    disappear or decrease, but in some cases, they do not recover.
    
    
 3. Anomia
    The ability to recall names of everyday objects may be affected. Despite
    knowing the purpose or shape of the object, it’s not easy to come to mind
    and hesitate to say the words in the conversation. Usually, it appears and
    recovers for a short or continuous period due to a mental shock, and it is
    also a symptom that occurs frequently in early dementia and general.
    
    
 4. Attention Span
    Focusing attention on a conversation or tasks for long periods of time may
    be difficult.
    
    
 5. Perseveration  (the repetition of a particular response)
    Someone may have difficulty following instructions or answering questions
    asked one right after the other. If you or a loved one has experienced a
    stroke affecting the right side of the brain, they may repeat or can’t
    control the speed of their answers or movement even if a new instruction is
    given or a new question is asked.For example, when brushing, you can't stop
    and continue, or you keep eating even though you already have food in your
    mouth. In these cases, treatment is needed with help to control behavior so
    that the patient can stop by verbal instructions or move on to the next
    level.
    
    
 6. Visual/spatial problems
    You may have problems judging distance, size, position and rate of movement
    and how parts relate to a whole.
    
    



Symptoms of stroke in the cerebellum and brainstem
1) Symptoms of a cerebellum stroke

Although strokes are less common in the cerebellum area, the effects can be
severe.
Common effects of strokes in the cerebellum include:

 * Inability to walk and problems with coordination and balance (ataxia)


2) Symptoms of a brainstem stroke

The brainstem is located at the base of the brain right above the spinal cord.
Many of the body’s vital “life-support” functions are controlled by the
brainstem. It also helps to control the main nerves involved with eye movement,
chewing, and swallowing and maintains the homeostasis.

Examples of functions on brainstem:

 * Breathing and heart functions
 * Body temperature control
 * Balance and coordination
 * Chewing, swallowing, and speaking
 * Vision
 * Coma

So, if the stroke occurs in the brainstem, it is hard to maintain the
homeostasis, and brainstem strokes can lead to death unfortunately.



Conclusion

The human nervous system has neuroplasticity. Damaged brain cells or nerves do
not survive again, but the nerves in the intact area continue to expand and
change after the acute and subacute phases (from 6 months to 1 year).

These nerves take over the information and roles that the damaged area was
responsible for, and the body changes accordingly. The brain and body can change
through neuroplasticity, which regenerates the brain's nerves and improves body
functions through sensory and motor stimuli from the outside. This is why
positive and continuous rehabilitation therapy (exercise) is needed after a
stroke.

One way to continue to make progress in strengthening your neural pathways is
using Neofect Smart Glove or Smart Board [https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home].
These products can help the brain's ability to rewire itself and to increase the
range of motion and strength in the upper extremities. The best part is that
they do this with fun and engaging games! To learn more about the Neofect Smart
Rehab Solutions, please call us at 888-623-8947 or email us at 
contactus@neofect.com.

--
Source

 * National Stroke Association - http://www.stroke.org/
 * Johns Hopkins Medicine - 
   https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/effects-of-stroke

Stroke Symptoms

Where do I begin setting my personal goals? How do I stick to my personal goals? Read on to learn how to be successful in your stroke recovery goals.

Setting Personal Goals After Stroke

Goal-setting becomes the name of the game for stroke survivors as they
transition from the hospital back into their homes and communities. During this
time, healthcare professionals often encourage personal goal-setting to promote
greater independence and achievement. However, the prospect of devising and
tracking goals while also adjusting to life changes following stroke might feel
more overwhelming than productive for many survivors.



Where do I begin when setting my personal goals?
The widely-utilized SMART framework is a great place to start for those
interested in making effective personal goals. SMART is an acronym including the
following components of an effective goal:

Specific:  State exactly what you aim to improve. Phrase goals in terms of what
you will do, not just what you want to do.

Measurable:  Include the way you will measure your progress. Are you measuring
your outcome in terms of time spent (number of hours, sessions. completed) or a
different metric (pounds lost, calories burned, dollars saved)?

Achievable:  Ensure that the goal is feasible within your current capabilities.
If it is not, how can the goal be modified or what resources can you attain to
make things possible?

Relevant:  You are more likely to meet your goals when they align with your
long-term vision for yourself and your overall plans.

Timely:  Set an end date. When will you achieve this goal? When will you know to
reevaluate if things are not working?

By putting all the pieces together, a general stroke wellness goal of “I want to
get healthier”  becomes SMARTer when changed to “I am going to exercise
regularly by going to the adaptive yoga class at the gym once a week for three
months”.

Critics of the SMART system note that it is harder to assess feasibility and
relevance of goals during uncertain life scenarios than predictable ones. They
also state that rigidly sticking to this framework may emphasize failure and
diminish effort in the event that one does not meet their goal. No matter what
approach you use, keep in mind that you are encouraged to periodically
reevaluate, modify, and update your personal goals to fit your unique situation.



How do I stick to my personal goals?
Once you have your personal goals in place, consider the following tips to
ensure that you see them through to completion:

 * Write it down:  Whether hand-written or typed, you are more likely to
   remember and stay focused on goals that exist in the physical realm and not
   just your mind. Put your goals in a visible place in your daily environment
   to stay motivated!
   
   
 * Add a reward:  If motivation to stick with your goal is waning, reward
   yourself for completing increments of progress as well as the big picture.
   While the long-term goal may be improved health, finances, or success, you're
   now competing for a short-term prize or privilege as well!
   
   
 * Add a consequence:  Bold goal-setters may feel motivated to avoid a
   consequence in failing to meet an objective. Wager a financial incentive on
   your long-term goal date. If you meet the goal, you get to keep the money or
   continue your chosen activity. If you don't, you have to give the money away
   or avoid the activity until the goal is met!
   
   
 * Track the positives:  Write down all positive feedback you get in pursuit of
   your goal. Keeping a record of what you've done and the achievements others
   have noticed might highlight your day-to-day progress.
   
   
 * Involve others:  The more you make your ambitions known, the more others will
   check in on your progress! Individuals both in your personal life or online
   can help hold you accountable and provide encouragement to meet your goals.
   
   

Making and maintaining personal goals is a highly individualized process. You
may have to try multiple approaches to find the system that works best. Put your
efforts in perspective, even if you do not meet the goal initially. Did you
learn something during the process? Did you better yourself, even temporarily?
Can you reevaluate the situation, reframe the objective, and try again? As long
as you are trying to improve yourself in pursuit of a goal, you will never truly
fail.

Doran, G. T. (1981). "There's a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management's goals and
objectives". Management Review. 70 (11): 35–36.

Wang, Lei. “6 Reasons Not to Use SMART Goals For Everything.” TLNT Talent
Management & HR, ERE Media, 1 Aug. 2017, 
https://www.tlnt.com/6-reasons-not-to-use-smart-goals-for-everything/.

Related Reading:  The Importance of Setting Up a Post Stroke Routine
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/importance-of-setting-up-post-stroke-routine]

Stroke Recovery

What influences a stroke survivor's motivation? Learn more about how health beliefs, self-confidence, and social support are key to maintaining your drive to achieve.

Staying Motivated After Stroke

From dietary changes to new medications and exercise regimens, stroke survivors
receive countless lifestyle recommendations from their healthcare team.
Survivors are often left confused about how to prioritize and implement this
advice. They might not feel capable of additional routine changes if they are
also adjusting to different physical abilities and difficult emotions following
stroke.

Whether one is contemplating or committed to a health decision, understanding
the psychology behind motivation can help remove obstacles in the path towards
change.



Factors Influencing Motivation to Make Healthy Changes:
 1. Health beliefs  drive an individual's health decisions and behaviors. For
    example, a stroke survivor might not follow the doctor's advice to take
    medication consistently because they do not fully understand the
    consequences. They might percieve barriers to refilling the prescription as
    greater than the risks of not doing so. This individual would likely be more
    motivated to refill the prescription if their health beliefs were different
    or better-informed.

 * How to get stroke-savvy:  Stay educated on staying healthy after stroke
   [http://https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-risk-factors/stroke-risk-factors-you-can-control-treat-and-improve] 
    to ensure that you are performing a thorough cost-benefit analysis when
   making lifestyle decisions. Discuss your concerns with your healthcare
   providers if you are bogged down by barriers to their suggestions. They can
   work with you to come up with solutions or provide additional information
   that might make a difference in your motivation.



 2. Self-confidence  is considered the strongest predictor of behavioral change.
    However, self-image may be disrupted as a result of a stroke, especially if
    it results in changes to one’s body or mind. Stroke survivors may feel
    discouraged by thoughts of their previous performance before the stroke or
    comparisons to able-bodied peers. Lack of confidence might cause them to
    avoid the activity altogether.

 * How to feel more confident and capable:  Consult printed and internet
   resources to improve awareness of how other stroke survivors engage in your
   desired habits. Many organizations offer groups and classes specifically for
   participants with stroke or disability
   [https://www.stroke-rehab.com/Adaptive-Fitness-Centers.html]. Survivor
   bloggers may have already problem-solved difficult scenarios you are facing
   [https://retrainyourbrain.ca/]. Avoid unjust comparisons to yourself
   pre-stroke or others around you. Instead, focus on your achievements in the
   present.



 3. Social Support  is associated with better health outcomes throughout life.
    Stroke survivors often receive advice to build up social support networks
    alongside acute hospitalization or adjustment to disability, a time when it
    may seem difficult to reconnect with old contacts. Even with a network of
    personal contacts, stroke survivors may still feel alone in addressing their
    goals if they do not know others in their situation.

 * How to increase connections:  Draw upon readily-available contacts by
   reaching out to those in your personal life for support and encouragement.
   The more individuals you notify of your desires to change, the more that will
   check-in about your progress. For stroke-specific connections, consider
   joining an in-person [https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder] 
   or online support group [http://www.thestrokechannel.tv/lifeafterstroke.html] 
    to learn and grow with like-minded survivors. You might feel more motivated
   to take on a new habit with the backing of your support network, and it will
   be easier to stick with it with them cheering you on!

Ultimately, motivation stems from both internal and external sources. When
making or maintaining a change seems difficult, remember that building up
yourself and turning to your social network can give you the answers,
self-confidence, and support you need to achieve your goals!

Kelly, Robert B., et al. “Prediction of Motivation and Behavior Change Following
Health Promotion: Role of Health Beliefs, Social Support, and Self-Efficacy.”
Social Science & Medicine, vol. 32, no. 3, 1991, pp. 311–320.,
doi:10.1016/0277-9536(91)90109-p.

Hardcastle, Sarah J., et al. “Motivating the Unmotivated: How Can Health
Behavior Be Changed in Those Unwilling to Change?” Frontiers in Psychology, vol.
6, 2015, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00835.

Simpson, Lisa A, et al. “Exercise Perceptions among People with Stroke: Barriers
and Facilitators to Participation.” International Journal of Therapy and
Rehabilitation, vol. 18, no. 9, 2011, pp. 520–529.,
doi:10.12968/ijtr.2011.18.9.520.

All information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be
considered a substitute for professional medical advice. All links to external
entities beyond NEOFECT are for purposes of resource provision only and do not
constitute paid or unpaid endorsements.

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