Neuroanatomy basics · USMLE Step 1

A patient presents with loss of facial pain and temperature sensation on the left and body pain and temperature loss on the right. Which structure is damaged?

  1. Right lateral medulla
  2. Left lateral medulla
  3. Right pons
  4. Left pons
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Left lateral medulla

A left lateral medullary lesion (Wallenberg syndrome) affects ipsilateral facial pain loss and contralateral body pain loss. This pattern is classic for PICA infarction.

Difficulty: Medium Question 10 of 20

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