Right Hemisphere vs. Left Hemisphere Language Users: Stroke Recovery in Arabic as Example

Objective(s): To investigate whether right hemisphere language dominance (RH) influences stroke recovery differently than left hemisphere language dominance (LH) in Arabic speakers, focusing on functional outcomes and neuroplasticity. Notably, some studies suggest that Arabic language speakers utilize the right hemisphere more prominently for language processing.

Data Sources: This review, conducted from January to July 2024, utilized electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO through EBSCO) and manual searches of relevant bibliographies.

Study Selection: A total of 2083 references were initially reviewed, of which 632 duplicates were identified and removed. The remaining 1451 studies were screened based on title and abstract, resulting in the exclusion of 487 studies. A total of 66 studies were assessed for full-text eligibility, with 5 studies excluded as not relevant to the review's objectives. Ultimately, 61 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

Data Extraction: Two independent reviewers extracted data from the included studies using a standardized data extraction form. Any disagreements were resolved through discussion or a third reviewer.

Data Synthesis: A narrative approach was used to synthesize the main results, focusing on concepts, themes, and types of evidence. The findings were linked to the review's objectives and presented in a narrative format, tables, and visual representations.

Conclusions: This review revealed a complex relationship between hemispheric language dominance and stroke recovery in Arabic speakers. Some studies suggested potential differences in recovery patterns between RH and LH users. The studies show that patients with left hemisphere strokes are the most impacted in Western countries. Further research is needed to clarify the role of hemispheric language dominance in stroke recovery, particularly among English speakers.

Author(s) Disclosures: There are no conflicts