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By Natalie J. Dahl, MS, CCC-SLP
Right hemisphere brain damage, or RHD, occurs when there is damage to the right side
of the brain. This side of the brain does not control language as much as the left side of
the brain, but it does control thinking skills, which may be affected. RHD may be caused
by traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, tumors, and/or infections.
RHD may show itself in a number of ways. The right side of the brain controls the
following areas, which, if damaged, may cause difficulty for a person with RHD:
| Area affected: |
Causes difficulty with... |
- Attention
Memory
Organization
Orientation
Perception
Reasoning and Problem solving
Social Communication
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focusing on a task or what he or she sees or hears.
remembering previously learned information and learning new information.
logically putting information together and planning.
knowing where he or she is, the time, or the date.
realizing that the left side of the body exists (this is called left-side neglect).
knowing there is a problem or knowing how to solve a problem.
understanding socially acceptable language, such as jokes or nonverbal cues.
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If someone has RHD, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) will test his or her speech and
language skills, as well as attention, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
Based on the test results, the SLP will provide therapy to help improve skills. In many
cases, the person with RHD is not aware of his or her deficits. If this is the case, the SLP
may need to help the person become aware of the difficulties and will provide tools to
help with activities of daily living. These tools might include picture cues to help cook
meals or a calendar to help remember daily routines.
Right hemisphere brain damage can have a significant effect on a person, but there are
tests and therapies that can help lessen the difficulties caused by RHD. The goal for a
person with RHD is to care for himself or herself as much as possible. This can be possible
with the help of a speech-language pathologist and supportive family members and
friends.
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