MIDDLE CEREBRAL ARTERY STROKE

Course overview

THE MIDDLE CEREBRAL ARTERY (MCA) IS THE MOST COMMON ARTERY INVOLVED IN ACUTE STROKE. IT BRANCHES DIRECTLY FROM THE INTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY AND CONSISTS OF FOUR MAIN BRANCHES, M1, M2, M3, AND M4. THESE VESSELS PROVIDE BLOOD SUPPLY TO PARTS OF THE FRONTAL, TEMPORAL, AND PARIETAL LOBES OF THE BRAIN, AS WELL AS DEEPER STRUCTURES INCLUDING THE CAUDATE, INTERNAL CAPSULE, AND THALAMUS. THIS ACTIVITY DESCRIBES THE PRESENTATION, EVALUATION, AND MANAGEMENT OF MIDDLE CEREBRAL ARTERY STROKES, AND EXPLAINS THE ROLE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN ASSESSING, DIAGNOSING, MANAGING, AND REHABILITATING PATIENTS WHO SUFFER FROM THIS, AND HOW TO TRY TO PREVENT A RECURRENCE.