What body functions may be affected by a right CVA?
A right cerebral vascular accident (CVA), also known as a stroke, can affect various body functions depending on the specific areas of the brain that are damaged. Here are some potential effects of a right CVA:
1. Motor Function:
- Right-sided Weakness: The right CVA may result in weakness or paralysis on the left side of the body, including the arm, leg, and face.
2. Coordination:
- Left-sided Coordination Issues: The right CVA can affect the coordination and balance on the left side, leading to difficulties with activities like walking, reaching, grasping objects, etc.
3. Sensation:
- Left-sided Sensory Deficits: Reduced sensation or numbness may be experienced on the left side of the body. This can include impaired touch, temperature, and pain perception.
4. Speech and Language:
- Aphasia: A right CVA in some cases can cause expressive or receptive aphasia. This affects a person's ability to comprehend, speak, read, or write.
5. Perception and Spatial Awareness:
- Left-sided Neglect: Right CVA can lead to left-sided neglect, a condition where individuals have difficulty perceiving stimuli or paying attention to objects on the left side of their visual field.
6. Visual Impairments:
- Hemianopia: A right CVA can cause partial or complete vision loss in the left half of the visual field of both eyes.
7. Cognitive Skills:
- Memory Problems: Right CVA may affect memory, particularly short-term memory and episodic memory.
8. Attention:
- Reduced Selective Attention: Inability to focus attention or filter out irrelevant information while performing tasks.
9. Emotional Changes:
- Pseudo-Bulbar Affect (PBA): A condition characterized by emotional outbursts or inappropriate laughing or crying spells.
10. Decision-Making:
- Impaired Judgment: Difficulty in decision-making and problem-solving skills.
11. Swallowing (Dysphagia):
- Difficulty Swallowing: Speech therapy is commonly used to address dysphagia and help patients safely swallow food and liquids.
It's important to note that the effects of a right CVA can vary widely among individuals, and not all of the mentioned symptoms may manifest in every case. The severity of the symptoms and functional deficits depends on the location and extent of the brain damage. Rehabilitation therapies, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, play a crucial role in helping individuals regain or compensate for lost functions after a CVA.