A 35-year-old woman was brought to the emergency department after a severe motor vehicle collision. The patient is complaining of severe headaches and neck pain. She is not complaining of disturbed vision, dizziness, sensory or motor changes, or slurred speech. Imaging shows left transverse foramina fracture at the level of C2. During transportation, the patient suddenly developed left-sided facial tingling, hoarseness, and dizziness. . Temperature is 36.7 C (98.1 F), blood pressure is 160/90 mm Hg, the pulse is 82/min, and respirations are 13/min. Physical examination shows left-sided ptosis and miosis with nystagmus. The pain and temperature sensation is lost on the right side of the body and the left side of the face. The patient is ataxic, with an abnormal finger-to-nose test. This patient most likely has dissection in which of the following arteries?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Lateral medullary syndrome results from disturbed flow in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The patient will suffer from nystagmus, ataxia, pain, and temperature sensory loss on the ipsilateral side of the face and contralateral side of the body. Additionally, the patient will have ipsilateral horner syndrome and bulbar weakness. 
Lateral medullary syndrome might result from vertebral artery dissection due to cervical fractures.

A 35-Year-Old Woman Was Brought to the Emergency Department After