Which symptom is associated with a posterior cerebral artery stroke?

• A. Hemiparesis
• B. Contralateral homonymous hemianopsia
• C. Urinary incontinence
• D. Constant vertigo

Answer: (B)

A posterior cerebral artery stroke primarily affects the occipital lobe and parts of the temporal lobe, which are regions responsible for visual processing. The specific symptom of contralateral homonymous hemianopsia is characterized by a loss of vision in the same field of vision in both eyes, affecting the opposite side of the visual field from where the stroke occurred. This is due to the disruption of the visual pathways, particularly the optic radiations that travel from the lateral geniculate nucleus to the visual cortex.

While hemiparesis can occur with strokes in a variety of locations, it is more typically associated with anterior circulation strokes affecting the motor cortex. Urinary incontinence is also not a classic finding in posterior cerebral artery strokes; it is more frequently seen in strokes affecting the frontal lobes. Constant vertigo is generally linked to issues with the vestibular system or brainstem rather than directly associated with posterior cerebral artery strokes. Thus, the symptom of contralateral homonymous hemianopsia is a hallmark of posterior cerebral artery strokes, making it the correct answer.