Think about the team discussion you just read and the conversation you heard earlier between Deirdre and her daughter Brenda.
Unable to see (False)
Vision and spatial attention problems can occur following right hemisphere stroke although not in this case.
Unrealistic about her progress (True)
Impaired awareness (anosognosia) of stroke deficits and anticipating how these deficits will impact daily functioning is a common aspect of right hemisphere stroke.
Cannot find the right words to say (False)
Problems generating words (expressive aphasia) are much more typically seen following left hemisphere stroke.
Being difficult with staff (False)
Deirdre is not being deliberately difficult. The effects of her stroke make it hard for her to infer meaning what from staff and those around her are saying. She may for instance interpret things over-literally.
Finding it difficult to stay on topic (True)
The ability to produce relevant, salient explanations and stories during conversation is a key social communication skill often disrupted, as in Deirdre’s case, following right hemisphere stroke.
Using lots of words and appearing less interested in others (True)
Right hemisphere stroke compromises social skills. Patients may speak lots, go off topic and produce stories that end abruptly. Patients may be self focused with poor eye contact and not pick up hints from communication partners to shift conversation topic. This can be socially debilitating and make conversations feel awkward.
Interrupting others and missing when it is her turn to speak (True)
Right hemisphere stroke impairs ability to ‘turn take’ during conversations. Patients may not notice the subtle cues which signal when to listen, when to speak and when a conversation has ended. This also disrupts conversations significantly.
Low in her mood (False)
One third of stroke patients suffer clinical depression. There is no evidence of mood disturbance in Deirdre’s case.
Interpreting things literally (True)
Right hemisphere stroke makes it hard for patients to determine relevant information and gauge meaning. Patients may interpret what is said very literally. Statements such as ‘Give me a hand’ or ‘I’ve got my eye on you’ can easily be misunderstood.
Page last reviewed: 31 Mar 2020
