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Does our right brain control left side of body and vice versa

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corticospinal tract AND decussation

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corticospinal tract decussation contralateral control neurology

Mostly, yes.
  • The right cerebral hemisphere controls most voluntary movement and sensation on the left side of the body.
  • The left hemisphere controls most voluntary movement and sensation on the right side.
This happens because most motor nerve fibers cross in the lower brainstem, at the pyramidal decussation in the medulla. About 85% cross there to form the lateral corticospinal tract. Neuroanatomy through Clinical Cases, 3rd ed., lines 768-773.
There are exceptions:
  • Some motor pathways do not cross or have input on both sides, especially for posture and trunk muscles.
  • The cerebellum has a more complicated double-crossing arrangement, so each cerebellar hemisphere mainly coordinates the same side of the body.
  • A brain injury above the crossing usually causes weakness on the opposite side. An injury below it, such as in the spinal cord, can cause weakness on the same side.

Headache in temporals and occiput suggest

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headache diagnosis AND differential

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headache emergency warning signs temporal headache occipital headache medical guidance

Headache in the temples and back of the head (occiput) does not point to one diagnosis by itself. Common possibilities include:
  • Tension-type headache: pressure or tight band sensation across temples, forehead, or back of head/neck. Often linked to stress, poor sleep, jaw clenching, or prolonged screen/posture strain.
  • Neck-related (cervicogenic) headache: starts in the neck or occiput and may spread toward the temples, often worse with neck movement or sustained posture. Occipital pain with persistent neck pain makes this more likely. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice, block 26, lines 125-131.
  • Migraine: can affect temples and occiput, especially if throbbing, with nausea, light/sound sensitivity, or worsened by activity.
  • Occipital neuralgia: sharp, stabbing, electric-shock pain from the upper neck/back of scalp, sometimes following injury or neck strain.
  • Giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis): important to urgently exclude if you are over 50 with a new temple headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain while chewing, fever, or any visual symptoms. It can threaten vision.
Seek emergency care now for sudden “worst-ever” headache, fever with a stiff neck, new weakness/numbness, trouble speaking or walking, confusion, seizure, fainting, vision loss, repeated vomiting, or headache after head injury. MedlinePlus warning signs
Please arrange prompt medical assessment if this is new or worsening, especially if you are over 50 or have temple tenderness, jaw pain, or visual change.

With left hand myoclonic jerks

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focal seizures AND myoclonus

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focal seizure new involuntary jerking one hand emergency symptoms headache guidance

A new headache plus repeated jerking of only the left hand needs emergency assessment now. Call your local emergency number or go to an emergency department immediately. Do not drive yourself.
One-sided involuntary hand jerks can be a focal motor seizure, which may arise from the right side of the brain, but with a new or unusual headache clinicians also need to urgently exclude causes such as stroke, bleeding, infection, or another brain problem. Focal myoclonus can be an epileptic manifestation. Localization in Clinical Neurology, 8e, lines 5556-5559.
Call emergency services now especially if there is any weakness or numbness, face droop, speech or vision change, confusion, loss of awareness, fever or stiff neck, vomiting, severe sudden onset, or a recent head injury.
Until seen: stay with someone, sit or lie somewhere safe, avoid alcohol or recreational drugs, and note when the jerks began, how long they last, and whether awareness changes.
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