MCA vs ACA vs PCA — localizing a stroke straight from the symptoms. A rapid, high-yield review of cerebral vasculature & neuroanatomy for medical students and exam candidates.
In this episode: • MCA → face + arm weakness, Broca/Wernicke aphasia • ACA → contralateral leg weakness • PCA → homonymous hemianopia, visual cortex • Circle of Willis → links anterior + posterior • Watershed zones → vulnerable to hypotension
Exam pearl: MCA = face/arm > leg; aphasia if dominant