🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A patient presents with sudden onset of right-sided facial paralysis, left-sided hemiplegia, and left-sided loss of proprioception and vibratory sensation. Which of the following brainstem lesions is most consistent with these findings?

A Lateral medullary syndrome (Wallenberg syndrome)
B Medial medullary syndrome
C Pontine hemorrhage
D Weber syndrome (Midbrain stroke)

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Medial medullary syndrome involves damage to the pyramid (contralateral hemiplegia), medial lemniscus (contralateral loss of proprioception/vibration), and hypoglossal nerve (ipsilateral tongue deviation, if affected), or facial nucleus depending on exact lesion extent. Ipsilateral facial paralysis would indicate involvement of the facial nerve nucleus or its fibers in the medulla.

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