#143 Your Questions About Right Hemisphe...

If your spouse or loved one survived a right hemisphere stroke and now feels… different—you’re not imagining it. In this heartfelt Q&A, Genevieve answers real questions from care partners grappling with subtle but life-altering changes: blank stares, flat affect, lost affection, impulsive speech, and “he’s totally fine” denial. If you’ve ever wondered is this the stroke… or just who they are now?—this episode will bring clarity, validation, and next steps.

This episode is for care partners who are feeling emotionally alone in the aftermath of a stroke that didn’t affect speech—but changed everything else.

• “Why does my spouse seem flat and expressionless now?”
• “She used to be warm and affectionate… now she feels distant. What changed?”
• “My husband takes everything literally now—no jokes, no sarcasm. Why?”
• “He swears he’s fine, but I can see he’s not. How do I make him aware?”
• “My dad only shaves half his face now—how do I help him notice?”
• “What’s the deal with memory? Is it memory loss or something else?”

• Right hemisphere stroke often impacts personality, not language.
• Emotional disconnect, sarcasm misfires, and blank stares are common—but misunderstood—stroke effects.
• Survivors may not realize their behavior has changed. It’s not denial—it’s a breakdown in self-awareness.
• These shifts are real, and they can be worked with. But first, care partners need to stop taking them personally.
• Small strategies and honest conversations can rebuild connection—but education is key.

There’s a short story I want you to read. It’s called “Are You Lisa or Elena?” One stayed stuck. One found her way back. ➡️ Read it here

You might be surprised which one you are.

If this episode helped you feel seen, share it with a friend or fellow care partner who needs it. Don’t forget to subscribe to Listen for LIFE and leave a review—your story helps others find theirs.