What might patients with a right hemisphere stroke be unaware of?

Patients who experience a stroke on the right side of the brain may exhibit a condition known as "anosognosia," which is a lack of awareness of their condition or the severity of their impairments. This phenomenon occurs because the right hemisphere is crucial for self-awareness and recognizing deficits in the body, particularly when it comes to motor skills or cognitive functions that may have been affected by the stroke. This lack of awareness can affect their ability to judge their limitations accurately, which may complicate their rehabilitation and interactions with healthcare professionals.

While awareness of surroundings, social cues, and the passage of time can also be affected by neurological changes, the hallmark feature of right hemisphere strokes is specifically the impaired insight into one’s own condition. Understanding this condition is vital for caregivers and healthcare providers, as it influences the approach to treatment, communication, and support required for individuals recovering from a right hemisphere stroke.