Executive Functioning Deficits Following Acquired Right Hemisphere Brain Damage: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Executive functioning (EF) abilities are compromised subsequent to right hemisphere brain damage (RHD). EF supports communication including understanding and using pragmatics and discourse. Consequently, if EF abilities are impaired, communication challenges may occur. Accordingly, the objectives of the current study were to examine the RHD literature to identify: (a) EF deficits reported; (b) standardized EF assessments; (c) type of participant data reported and, (c) quality of the prior studies. Several electronic databases were searched between 1980 and March 2018. Results (71 articles) indicated that the most commonly assessed EF abilities were: (a) working memory, (b) verbal fluency, and (c) awareness of hemiplegia. The Bisiack Interview was the most commonly used standardized assessment, and most articles were rated low on the quality rating tool. These findings indicate that whereas EF deficits are common following RHD, recommendations for selecting measures to diagnose EF impairments in individuals with RHD await further research.