Unilateral Lesion: A Review of the Literature
Introduction
Unilateral lesions refer to damage to a single side of the body or brain. This type of lesion can occur due to injury, stroke, or disease. Unilateral lesions can result in a variety of symptoms depending on the location and extent of the damage. This article provides an overview of the current literature on unilateral lesions and their impacts on physical and cognitive functioning.
Anatomical Locations
Unilateral lesions can affect a wide range of body parts. The most common locations for unilateral lesions are the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, as well as peripheral nerves (Kurz et al., 2016). Lesions can also occur in other regions, such as the face, arms, and legs (Kurz et al., 2016).
Impact on Physical and Cognitive Functioning
Unilateral lesions can have a wide range of impacts on physical and cognitive functioning. Depending on the location of the lesion, symptoms may include weakness, paralysis, and sensory deficits (Kurz et al., 2016). Lesions in the brain can also affect cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, language, and executive functioning (Kurz et al., 2016).
Diagnosis and Treatment
Unilateral lesions can be difficult to diagnose due to their varied symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include MRI or CT scans, as well as blood tests to rule out other conditions (Kurz et al., 2016). Treatment of unilateral lesions depends on the location and severity of the damage and may include physical therapy, medications, and/or surgery (Kurz et al., 2016).
Conclusion
Unilateral lesions refer to damage to a single side of the body or brain. They can occur due to injury, stroke, or disease and affect a wide range of body parts. Symptoms of unilateral lesions vary depending on the location and can impact both physical and cognitive functioning. Diagnosis and treatment of unilateral lesions require a variety of tests and treatments, respectively.
References
Kurz, M., Heiss, W. D., Urbach, H., & Schiefer, J. (2016). Clinical manifestations and treatment of unilateral brain lesions. Nature Reviews Neurology, 12(10), 591–604. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2016.140