Which of the following is a common characteristic of a left-sided brain lesion?

A left-sided brain lesion is typically associated with language and communication processes, as the left hemisphere of the brain is primarily responsible for these functions in most right-handed individuals and many left-handed individuals. Aphasia, which refers to difficulties in speaking, understanding, reading, or writing due to brain damage, is a hallmark feature of left-sided brain lesions, particularly if the damage involves regions such as Broca's or Wernicke's areas.

In context, visual-spatial deficits usually arise from right-sided brain lesions, as the right hemisphere is more involved in processing visual and spatial information. Agnosia, the inability to interpret sensations and hence recognize things, can occur with lesions in either hemisphere, but is often more reliant on the specific type of sensory input and associated areas rather than being exclusively linked to left-sided lesions. Memory loss can result from damage to various brain areas, but it is not a definitive characteristic of a left-sided lesion, as memory functions can be widespread across both hemispheres depending on the specific regions affected. Therefore, aphasia distinctly represents the common characteristic associated with left-sided brain lesions.