Indices of verbal learning and memory deficits after right hemisphere stroke.

Abstract

The deleterious effects of left hemisphere brain damage on language and verbal memory functions are well documented. However, limited attention has been paid to the effects of right hemisphere cerebrovascular accident (CVA) on these critical functions. Twenty-five right-handed, right hemisphere, stroke patients (RHS) were administered the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) and selected verbal, nonverbal, and orientation memory subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R). An aphasia screening was also performed. The RHS patients performed significantly below the norm on all CVLT indices, whereas no differences were found between the RHS group and the WMS-R normative population for the story memory subtests. Study findings indicate that right hemisphere damage does affect performance of certain verbal memory tasks. Implications for inpatient treatment, post-acute care, and research with survivors of right hemisphere CVA are discussed.