Left Hemisphere Stroke

November 28, 2022

When blood cannot flow properly to the left hemisphere, you are said to be suffering from a left hemispheric stroke. An ischemic stroke is a term used to describe a stroke that is brought on by a blood clot.

What are the Warning Signs?

The following are some of the warning symptoms of a stroke that can be easier to remember if you use the acronym BE FAST:

B = balance: a momentary lack of equilibrium
Vision impairment in one or both eyes is denoted by the letter E.
F = Face: There is sagging on one side of the face
A is for Arms when one arm falls when the other arm or both arms are raised, and S is for Speech when it is slurred or sounds strange.
T = Time: Now is the time to seek assistance without delay.

Signs and Symptoms?

The right side of your body is controlled by the hemisphere of your brain that’s on the left. In addition to this, it has control over your language and voice capabilities. You might be dealing with any of the following issues:

Having difficulty walking, remembering things, or swallowing
Moving towards the right side of your body
Absence of consciousness towards the right side of your body
You have difficulty communicating verbally, reading, writing, or understanding language.
Alterations in one’s disposition as well as one’s capacity to pay attention or learn new facts

What Increases My Risk?

Age 55 or older
A history of stroke in the family
Insufficient amount of physical activity, as well as obesity
High cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes are all examples of risk factors.
Smoking, smoking, or using illegal drugs
An ailment that affects the heart, such as atrial fibrillation, a recent myocardial infarction, or valve disease
Pills are taken orally to prevent pregnancy, particularly among women over the age of 35 who are smokers.
Replacement of hormones with hormone therapy

How is a Left Hemispheric Stroke Diagnosed?

Your doctor will check you and inquire about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, as well as the time frame in which they first appeared. They will inquire as to whether or not you suffer from any pre-existing conditions. You might require one or more of the following:

It is possible to utilize blood tests to determine how well your blood clots or to determine the quantity of sugar in your blood.
Images obtained by CT or MRI may be able to indicate the location of the stroke as well as any damage to your brain. It is possible that you will be given a contrast drink so that your skull and brain will appear more clearly in the images.You are not permitted to bring any metal inside the MRI room. The use of metal might result in severe injuries. Please let your healthcare practitioner know if you are wearing or carrying any metal on your person.

How is a Left Hemispheric Stroke Treated?

Treatment is determined by the type of stroke that the patient experienced. You might require one or more of the following:

There is a possibility that medications will assist enhance your blood’s ability to clot and put an end to the bleeding. It is possible that you will require medication to either dissolve existing blood clots or prevent new ones from forming. Your healthcare experts will discuss the potential side effects and benefits of each medication with either you or a member of your family. You might also require medication to address your diabetes, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions, such as pain.
Thrombolysis is a technique that is used to break up clots that have formed inside an artery. A catheter is inserted into the artery and moved along until it is in close proximity to the clot. The clot is broken up with the assistance of medication that is administered through the catheter. During the process, the blood clot could be removed from the artery by pulling on it.
To remove a blood or to relieve the pressure that has built up within your brain, surgery may be necessary. It is possible that you will also require surgery in order to clear the plaque accumulation in your carotid arteries. Alternatively, surgery can be required in order to either halt the bleeding or remove any blood.

Care for Myself After a Stroke?

Rehabilitate following the stroke by going there as directed. Rehabilitation is a process in which trained professionals will assist you in regaining skills that you may have lost as a result of substance abuse. Speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists are all examples of specialists. You can improve your strength or maintain your balance with the assistance of a physical therapist. Occupational therapists educate patients on alternative methods to perform common tasks. Your treatment could consist of motions that are applicable to daily tasks. One illustration of this would be the ability to stand up from a seated position. Your ability to communicate and swallow will improve with the assistance of a speech therapist.
Ensure that your house is secure. Take away anything that could cause you to fall. Bind the electrical cords with tape. It is important to have clear pathways throughout your home. Ensure that there is adequate lighting in your home. To prevent falls on potentially hazardous surfaces, anti-slip treatments might be used. One good example is the floor of your shower or bathtub.

Depression

If you’re experiencing depression that doesn’t seem to be getting better or is getting worse, talk to your doctor. Your healthcare practitioner might be able to assist in the treatment of your depression. Your healthcare practitioner may also be able to give you recommendations for support groups that you can join. A support group is a location where people who have had a stroke can go to chat with others who have had the same experience. Talking to close friends and family members about how you are doing and how you are feeling could also be helpful.