Right cerebral hemisphere damage: incidence of language problems

While dysphasia is rare after right cerebral hemisphere damage (RHD), there is now a body of evidence to suggest that language and communication problems can occur. This paper reports the findings of a pilot study that estimated the incidence of non-dysphasic language and communication problems following RHD. Eleven subjects completed language assessments within 2 weeks of onset and again 3 months later. The results show that language impairment can follow a unilateral RHD for 50% of the sample, and that there are marked difficulties for 20%. Furthermore these problems do not resolve spontaneously over a 3 month period. The case for speech and language therapy intervention for this patient group is discussed.