Right Hemisphere Cognitive–Communication Disorders

The right side of the brain, although traditionally considered nondominant for language, plays an important role in communication. Damage to the right cerebral hemisphere in adulthood can result in a variety of communication and other cognitive deficits, although there is substantial heterogeneity in the presentation of deficits across individuals. Cognitive deficits typically impact attention and executive functions. Communication disorders can impact speech, language, and/or pragmatics, which is the social use of language for communication.

There is no single commonly accepted label for the deficits associated with right hemisphere damage (RHD). In this entry, the term cognitive–communication deficits will be used. Approximately, 50% of all individuals with damage to the right cerebral hemisphere will exhibit some deficits. Of those patients who are admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation ...