contralateral

Contralateral refers to the opposite side of the body. For example, if a stroke affects the right side of the brain, the effects might appear on the left side of the body, because nerves cross over in the brain and spinal cord. In medical and neurological contexts, "contralateral" helps specify which side is affected relative to another part or symptom, providing clarity in diagnosis and treatment. Essentially, it describes a relationship where one side influences or is related to the opposite side of the body or a structure.