Ischaemic Stroke Syndromes and Clinical Manifestations

Vocabulary flashcards detailing clinical features and neurological signs of MCA, PCA, Brainstem/Vertebrobasilar, and ACA ischaemic strokes.

Contralateral hemiparesis (MCA stroke)

Weakening on the opposite side of the body.

Contralateral hemisensory loss (MCA stroke)

Reduced sensation on the opposite side of the body.

Homonymous hemianopia

Loss of the same side of the visual field in both eyes.

Expressive / Broca's aphasia

Difficulty speaking or forming words; speech is effortful.

Receptive / Wernicke's aphasia

Difficulty understanding spoken or written language.

Global aphasia

Severe impairment in understanding and producing language.

Hemineglect

Ignoring one side of the body or space.

Gaze deviation towards the lesion

Involuntary turning of the eyes towards the side of the stroke.

Visual agnosia

Difficulty recognising objects, faces, or places despite normal vision.

Alexia without agraphia

A condition where a patient can write but cannot read.

Thalamic syndrome

Severe, chronic pain and sensory disturbances on one side.

Hemisensory loss (PCA stroke)

Numbness or altered sensation on the opposite side.

Mild hemiparesis (PCA stroke)

Slight weakness on the opposite side.

Dysarthria

Slurred or unclear speech due to weak muscles used for talking.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Diplopia

Double vision.

Vertigo

A spinning sensation or dizziness.

Ataxia

Uncoordinated movements, especially walking.

Nystagmus

Involuntary rapid eye movements.

Hemiparesis or quadriparesis (Brainstem / Vertebrobasilar stroke)

Weakness on one side or all four limbs depending on lesion location.

Crossed signs

Weakness or sensory loss on one side of the face and the opposite side of the body.

Altered consciousness (Brainstem / Vertebrobasilar stroke)

Drowsiness, confusion, or reduced alertness.

Locked-in syndrome

Paralysis of all voluntary muscles except the eyes, while remaining fully conscious.

Contralateral leg weakness (ACA stroke)

Weakness affecting the opposite leg more than the arm or face.

Abulia

Lack of motivation or initiative; appearing passive or slow.

Gait apraxia

Difficulty initiating walking or uncoordinated walking.

Grasp reflex

Involuntary grasping when the palm is touched.

Personality/behaviour changes (ACA stroke)

Apathy, disinhibition, and lack of concern.