Every stroke is different and will affect people differently based on the severity. The left hemisphere of the brain can cause the following 5 symptoms.

5 Symptoms of a Stroke on the Left Side of the Brain

The brain is made up of two hemispheres, the left hemisphere and the right
hemisphere. Each hemisphere is responsible for controlling different functions
in our bodies.

Functions of left side vs right side of the brain:

 * The left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for: logic, language skills,
   oral function, sequencing, linear thinking, mathematics, critical thinking,
   and judgement/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.

So the symptoms may differ to the types of the stroke. Check out this post if
you want to know more about what are the different types of stroke.

 * What are the different types of stroke?
   [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-stroke]


Now that you know what types of strokes are, let's see what symptoms each stroke
has.

Table of contents

 * Symptoms of left side stroke
 * Symptoms of cerebellum/brainstem stroke
 * Symptoms of right side stroke
   [http://www.neofect.com/us/blog/5-symptoms-right-side-stroke-brain]

Common Symptoms of a Stroke in the Left Side of the Brain
Every stroke is different and will affect people differently based on its
severity. However, if someone has a left side brain stroke it can cause the
following five symptoms:



 1. Weakness or paralysis to the right side of the body
    The left sided weakness symptoms may occur to the person who has a stroke in
    the left side of the brain. 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. Swallowing Difficulties
    [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 brain 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.



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
   [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-is-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

A stroke in the brainstem can be fatal. Some individuals who survive brainstem
strokes are left with Locked-In Syndrome
[https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/locked-in-syndrome/], a rare condition
in they cannot make voluntary movements other than with their eyes.


The human nervous system has neuroplasticity. While damaged brain cells will not
survive, neurons in intact brain areas continue to expand and change even after
the acute incident (from 6 months and beyond).

These neurons can take over the information and roles that the damaged area was
responsible for, and the body changes accordingly. Neuroplasticity regenerates
the brain's nerves and improves body functions through sensory and motor stimuli
from the outside. This is why ongoing rehabilitation is beneficial after a
stroke.

One way to continue to make progress in strengthening your neural pathways is
using Neofect Smart Glove or Neofect 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, call us (888) 623-8984
[tel:+18886238984] or email us at info@neofect.com to start your smart rehab
with the Neofect today.


*Related Post

 * Symptoms of right side brain stroke
   [http://www.neofect.com/us/blog/5-symptoms-right-side-stroke-brain]

--
Source

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