National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

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Which location of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is most likely for a patient with sensory loss in the right face and arm?

Left MCA inferior division
Left MCA superior division
Right MCA superior division
Right MCA inferior division

The correct answer is: Left MCA inferior division

The left middle cerebral artery (MCA) inferior division is responsible for supplying blood to areas of the brain that control sensory and motor functions for the right side of the body, specifically the right face and arm, due to the contralateral organization of the nervous system. If a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) occurs in this region, it can lead to sensory loss on the opposite side of the body, which in this case would present as sensory loss in the right face and arm. In the context of the other options, each potential division of the MCA can impact different functional areas of the brain. The left MCA superior division primarily supplies the regions responsible for motor functions and higher cognitive functions, leading to motor deficits or language issues rather than isolated sensory loss. The right MCA divisions similarly control the motor and sensory functions for the left side of the body. Thus, they would not typically cause sensory loss in the right face and arm. Understanding the vascular supply and functional areas of the brain is crucial in identifying the cause of specific deficits following a CVA.