Final answer:
A stroke affecting the right motor cortex typically causes symptoms such as left-side paralysis or weakness, challenges with coordination and motor skills, and cognitive and behavioral changes due to the involvement of the affected region in voluntary movement control and nonverbal communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs in the right motor cortex, it interrupts the blood flow to that region of the central nervous system. This disrupts the neuronal connections responsible for controlling movements on the opposite side of the body, the left side, due to the brain's contralateral organization. The motor cortex is specifically involved in voluntary muscle movements, so damage to this area can result in hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body) or hemiparesis (weakness on one side). It can affect facial muscles, arm, and leg function. Furthermore, since the right hemisphere is also associated with nonverbal communication and spatial processing, patients might experience cognitive and behavioral changes. These changes could include difficulties with spatial awareness, problem-solving tasks, and even alterations in personality.
Affected individuals could demonstrate neglect of their left side, failing to recognize it as part of their body, or may have difficulties with coordination and fine motor skills. In addition to muscle control, a right motor cortex stroke may cause subtle language problems affecting the pragmatic aspects of language, such as interpreting sarcasm or metaphors, which is linked to the cognitive functions of the right hemisphere. Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, can help recover function or adapt to changes post-stroke.