Anterior cerebral artery stroke symptoms
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Symptoms of Anterior Cerebral Artery Stroke
Anterior cerebral artery (ACA) strokes, though relatively rare, present with a distinct set of symptoms due to the specific brain regions they affect. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Motor Dysfunction and Hemiparesis
One of the most common symptoms of an ACA stroke is motor dysfunction, particularly contralateral hemiparesis or monoparesis, which predominantly affects the leg. This is due to the involvement of the supplementary motor area and the paracentral lobule . In severe cases, complete hemiplegia can occur, accompanied by profound sensory neglect .
Behavioral and Cognitive Symptoms
ACA strokes often result in significant behavioral and cognitive changes. Hypobulia, characterized by a lack of initiative or apathy, is frequently observed and is associated with damage to the frontal pole, corpus callosum, cingulate gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus . Additionally, patients may exhibit transcortical aphasia, agraphia, apraxia, and executive dysfunction .
Urinary Incontinence and Grasp Reflex
Urinary incontinence is another symptom of ACA strokes, although it is not linked to specific lesion locations. The grasp reflex, a primitive reflex that re-emerges due to brain injury, is related to corpus callosum involvement .
Unique Behavioral Disorders
Several unique behavioral disorders can manifest due to ACA strokes. These include the grasp reflex and the alien hand sign, which are indicative of callosal disconnection. Patients may also experience transcortical aphasia and a non-throbbing headache at the onset of the stroke, particularly in cases of ACA dissection.
Neuropsychological Symptoms
Neuropsychological deficits are also common following ACA strokes. These can include spatial visual hemineglect and disturbances in vertical perception, which are linked to lesions in the right superior temporal cortex and the insula.
Conclusion
ACA strokes, while uncommon, present with a variety of symptoms that reflect the specific brain regions affected. These include motor dysfunction, behavioral and cognitive changes, urinary incontinence, and unique behavioral disorders. Recognizing these symptoms can aid in the prompt diagnosis and management of ACA strokes, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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