The Transit Lounge Podcast

Life After Right MCA Stroke: Why You May Not Feel Like Yourself After Stroke Introduction Heidi Loveridge survived a right MCA stroke at 43. Physically, her recovery has gone well. She regained strength, learned to walk again, and is even working toward getting her driver’s license for the first time. But emotionally, something feels off. “I used to be so happy… and now I’m not.” If you’ve had a stroke and feel like you’re not yourself anymore — even when everything looks “fine” on the outside — you’re not alone. This is one of the most confusing and least talked about parts of life after stroke. In this article, you’ll learn what life after a right MCA stroke can really feel like — physically, emotionally, and mentally — and why recovery is about more than just getting your body back. What Is a Right MCA Stroke? A right middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke affects the right side of the brain, which plays a key role in: Spatial awareness Attention and perception Emotional processing Awareness of the left side