Why would I still have right leg weakness post occipital lobe…

I suffered a occipital lobe stroke ( occipital cerebral infarction) November 2022. This has left me with blindness to my upper right quadrant in both eyes. At the time of my stroke I lost all feeling in my right side from head to toe. Ive regain functionality back since. I didn't however, have any facial droop or slurring with my speech. The thing I can't understand is why would I still have weakness and sometimes spasticity issues mainly with my quad and hip on the right side, especially given the fact where my stroke occurred?

Hi Tarin,

Thanks for reaching out to the Stroke Foundation’s Ask A Health Professional (AAHP). I’m sorry to hear about your stroke and the ongoing impact you are having with vision and weakness in your right hip and quad.

You mentioned you lost sensation on your right side when you suffered your stroke, therefore it may be that the ongoing weakness and occasional spasticity you are experiencing are residual effects from your stroke. As you mentioned, it is well known that vision can be impacted when you suffer an Occipital stroke. However other impacts can vary, depending on the location and extent of the stroke. Your stroke may have been in the Occipital lobe but may have also been close to other structures and/or pathways that can affect your right leg.

I would recommend discussing your concerns with your Neurologist. They may be able to review your scans and help identify specific areas that may be contributing to your impact. Sometimes it can also be helpful for them to show you your scans while explaining the impacts so that you can better understand what they are talking about. In case it is not directly related to your stroke, they can help identify or further investigate what is causing your weakness with your right leg and hip.

Your neurologist can refer you on to a physiotherapist to work with you on exercises to specifically address these issues. You can also access a physiotherapy referral through your GP. Or search for a private physiotherapist at Find a physio - Choose physio | Australian Physiotherapy Association. You can search for a physio who specialises in neurological issues by using the search function topic of neurology.

I hope you find this information helpful If you would like to discuss further, please do reach out to Strokeline on 1800 787 653, Monday to Friday , 9am-5pm AEST or via email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.

Best wishes,

Jo (Strokeline).

Thank you Jo, for your informative advice