Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
13:50
Focal Cerebral Ischemia Model by Endovascular Suture Occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery in the Rat
Published on: February 5, 2011
81.8K
Medial medullary infarction with central sparing
1From Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.
Neurology
|December 4, 2013
Summary
A patient experienced neurological symptoms, including vision changes and sensory disturbances, after receiving a left ventricular assist device for cardiac arrest. These findings highlight potential neurological complications following mechanical circulatory support.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Mechanical circulatory support devices, such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), are critical interventions for end-stage heart failure.
- Cardiac arrest necessitates immediate and often complex medical interventions, including advanced life support.
- Neurological complications can arise in critically ill patients, particularly those undergoing major cardiovascular procedures.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old woman presented with neurological deficits after LVAD implantation following cardiac arrest.
- Clinical examination revealed specific neurological signs including upbeating nystagmus and left arm dysmetria.
- The patient reported distinct sensory alterations, characterized by perioral numbness and a unique pattern of numbness and sensation in the head and neck region.
Findings:
- The neurological presentation suggests potential central nervous system involvement.
- The pattern of sensory loss, described as a "turtleneck of numbness with a T-shirt of sensation," indicates a specific neuroanatomical distribution.
- Upbeating nystagmus points towards potential brainstem or cerebellar dysfunction.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of comprehensive neurological monitoring in patients with LVADs.
- Understanding the specific neurological deficits can aid in early diagnosis and management of associated complications.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking LVADs and these specific neurological manifestations.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
68
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
68
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
34
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
34
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
53
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
53