What Are The Effects Of Left Brain Embolism?

Left brain embolism, or a blockage in the blood flow to the left hemisphere of the brain, can cause a wide range of neurological impairments. Since the left side of the brain is typically the dominant hemisphere in most individuals—especially in terms of language and motor control—damage from an embolism can have significant consequences.

Physical Symptoms Of Left Brain Embolism

One of the most common results of left brain embolism is impaired movement on the right side of the body. This may manifest as difficulty moving the right limbs, partial paralysis (hemiparesis), or even full paralysis (hemiplegia) on the right side. Additionally, patients may experience numbness or a loss of sensation in the right side of the body, which can interfere with daily activities and coordination.

Visual And Sensory Effects

Visual disturbances such as homonymous hemianopia—where a person loses vision in the right half of both eyes—can also occur. This condition can significantly affect spatial awareness and make tasks like reading or driving extremely challenging.

Language Disorders After Left Brain Embolism

Perhaps one of the most profound effects of left brain embolism is the disruption of language function. Depending on the specific area affected, individuals may experience different types of aphasia, which is a language disorder that affects both expression and comprehension.

Motion Aphasia (Broca's Aphasia)

Motion aphasia, also known as Broca's aphasia, occurs when a person understands spoken language but struggles to express themselves verbally. Individuals with this condition may be able to comprehend what others are saying but are unable to form coherent sentences or speak fluently.

Sensory Aphasia (Wernicke's Aphasia)

Sensory aphasia, or Wernicke's aphasia, is the opposite. In this case, the person may be able to produce speech with normal rhythm and intonation but the words often lack meaning. They may also have trouble understanding spoken language, making communication difficult for both parties involved.

Mixed Aphasia

Mixed aphasia involves symptoms of both motion and sensory aphasia and can vary in severity. In some cases, it may result in complete aphasia, where the individual is entirely unable to communicate through speech. In less severe cases, partial aphasia may occur, where only certain aspects of language are affected.

Recovery And Rehabilitation

Depending on the severity and location of the embolism, some individuals may experience partial or full recovery through rehabilitation therapies such as speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Early intervention is crucial for improving long-term outcomes.