Studies on semantic priming effects in right hemisphere stroke: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Neurolinguistics

Background:

• The role of the right cerebral hemisphere (RH) in semantic priming effects (SPEs) remains unclear.
• Consequences of RH damage on SPE are not well established, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review studies on SPEs in RH stroke patients.
• To determine if RH damage causes SPE deficits.
• To explore variations in SPE performance based on semantic processing type or task stimuli.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search conducted on LILACS, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases.
• Inclusion of relevant studies analyzing SPEs in RH stroke patients.

Main Results:

• Eleven studies were included in the final review from an initial 27.
• Five studies indicated difficulties with SPEs in RH stroke patients.
• SPE performance appears more influenced by stimulus type than processing type.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with RH stroke may exhibit SPE deficits.
• SPE evaluation is crucial for RH stroke patients to inform recovery treatments.
• Understanding RH's role in SPE can guide targeted therapeutic interventions.