Question

The following scenarios involve predicting the location of a stroke from symptoms. For each of the following scenarios involving stroke, indicate on a diagram of the brain (outside side‐view) where the stroke might have occurred.For scenarios 4 and 5, remember that connections involved in sensation and movement are crossed so you have to be careful about the side‐view of the brain you show (left or right hemisphere).

1. Following a stroke, the individual has impaired vision.

2. Following a stroke, the individual has difficulty making decisions.

3. Following a stroke, the individual is unable to understand language.

4. Following a stroke, the individual loses sensation on the left side of her body.

5. Following a stroke, the individual is unable to move her right arm.

Answer 1

1. Impaired vision following a stroke is likely due to damage to the occipital lobe. The occipital lobe is the visual processing center containing most of the anatomical region of the visual cortex.

2. Difficulty in making decisions following a stroke is likely due to damage to the frontal lobe, particularly the prefrontal cortex. This brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behavior, and decision making.

3. Difficulty in understanding language following a stroke is likely due to damage to the left temporary lobe, particularly the Wernicke's area. Wernicke's area is the region of the brain that is important for language comprehension.

4. Loss of sensation in the left side of the body is likely due to damage to the right parietal lobe, particularly the somatosensory cortex. This is the main sensory receptive area for the sense of touch.

5. Inability to move the right arm is likely due to damage to the left frontal lobe, particularly the motor cortex. The motor cortex is involved in voluntary movements.