Stroke Classification

Question 1

What are the 3 criteria used to determine if stroke is total anterior circulation or partial anterior circulation?

Answer 1

1. unilateral hemiparesis and/or hemisensory loss of the face, arm & leg
2. homonymous hemianopia
3. higher cognitive dysfunction e.g. dysphasia

Question 2

What needs to be present to diagnose total anterior circulation stroke?

Answer 2

All 3 of:
1. unilateral hemiparesis and/or hemisensory loss of the face, arm & leg
2. homonymous hemianopia
3. higher cognitive dysfunction e.g. dysphasia

Question 3

What needs to be present to diagnose partial anterior circulation stroke?

Answer 3

2 of:
1. unilateral hemiparesis and/or hemisensory loss of the face, arm & leg
2. homonymous hemianopia
3. higher cognitive dysfunction e.g. dysphasia

Question 4

What is the criteria for diagnosing lacunar stroke?

Answer 4

presents with 1 of the following:
1. unilateral weakness (and/or sensory deficit) of face and arm, arm and leg or all three.
2. pure sensory stroke.
3. ataxic hemiparesis

Question 5

What is the criteria for a posterior circulation stroke?

Answer 5

presents with 1 of the following:
1. cerebellar or brainstem syndromes
2. loss of consciousness
3. isolated homonymous hemianopia

Question 6

What artery is involved in lateral medullary syndrome aka Wallenberg’s?

Answer 6

Posterior inferior cerebellar artery

Question 7

What is the presentation of lateral medullary syndrome?

Answer 7

ipsilateral: ataxia, nystagmus, dysphagia, facial numbness, cranial nerve palsy e.g. Horner’s
contralateral: limb sensory loss