What results from damage to the right hemisphere of the cerebral cortex?

Damage to the right hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is often associated with difficulties in processing emotional aspects of information and the expression of emotions. This can lead to a phenomenon known as "emotional blunting" or a lack of emotional response. Individuals may display excess cheerfulness or indifference, as their ability to respond emotionally to stimuli, situations, and social interactions can be impaired. This diminished emotional responsiveness is a characteristic consequence of right hemisphere lesions.

The right hemisphere is typically more involved in nonverbal emotional processing and recognizing emotional cues in social contexts. As a result, when damage occurs, individuals may exhibit outwardly cheerful behavior that does not correspond with their internal emotional state. This may lead to an inappropriate level of cheerfulness, often perceived as indifference or lack of concern regarding emotionally charged situations.