• Please be vigilant to the possibility of communication impairment in those who have sustained right hemisphere brain injuries.  The problems may not be immediately apparent but can nonetheless have a significant impact upon interaction and interpersonal relationships.
  • The person’s social skills may be affected and they may superficially present as difficult, unfriendly or impolite. This may not actually be intended by the person.
  • Reduce distractions when communicating important information.
  • Do not give too much information at once.  Use short, clear sentences repeating as necessary.
  • When speaking with the person who has right hemisphere communication impairment, try to say what you mean, avoid use of ‘sayings’ and ‘hints’ (metaphor, idiom, proverbs and inference).
  • Be careful with humour and sarcasm; this may be misinterpreted, the person may not realise something is a joke, they may become upset or get confused.
  • If the person appears confused by what you have said, explain again using clear, straightforward language.
  • Do not expect the person to be able to read subtle, non-verbal communication (body language, facial expression, voice intonation); they may get it wrong.  Equally, their non-verbal communication may not match up with their communication intent.
  • Recognise that the person may be unaware they have these difficulties.
  • If the person has a left visual field deficit or left sided neglect, sit opposite them or towards their right.  Do not try and communicate from their left hand side.
  • If approaching from the left, give clear warning you are there; use their name to get their attention and avoid startling them.