Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What is the condition called when there is a visual field cut due to damage to the middle cerebral artery?

1. Carpal tunnel syndrome

2. Radial tunnel syndrome

3. Cubital tunnel syndrome

4. Homonymous hemianopsia

The correct answer is: Homonymous hemianopsia

Homonymous hemianopsia is the condition characterized by a visual field cut that occurs when there is damage to the middle cerebral artery. This type of visual field loss affects the same side of the visual field in both eyes, typically resulting in a loss of half of the visual field on one side. The middle cerebral artery supplies blood to significant portions of the brain, including areas responsible for processing visual information. When an ischemic event or stroke occurs in these areas, it can lead to the described loss of vision. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, and cubital tunnel syndrome are all related to nerve entrapment or compression in various regions of the arm and hand, which do not involve the visual pathways or visual fields. Thus, they are unrelated to the specific visual deficits caused by damage to the middle cerebral artery. Understanding the specific impacts of vascular events on the brain helps in recognizing conditions like homonymous hemianopsia, which can significantly affect a person's daily functioning and quality of life.