What symptom is likely to result from an embolic event in the left anterior cerebral artery?

An embolic event in the left anterior cerebral artery primarily affects the areas of the brain responsible for motor and sensory functions related to the contralateral side of the body, particularly the lower extremities. The anterior cerebral artery supplies parts of the frontal and parietal lobes, and its occlusion can lead to specific clinical symptoms.

Incontinence can occur due to the disruption of areas involved in bladder control and autonomic regulation, which may involve the frontal lobe regions. This is particularly relevant because the anterior cerebral artery supplies the medial portion of the frontal cortex, including regions that can influence the control of micturition. As a result, incontinence can manifest following an embolic event here.

The other symptoms listed are either less directly associated with an embolic event in this specific artery or do not correctly reflect the neuroanatomy involved with its territory. For instance, Broca's aphasia typically results from lesions in the left inferior frontal gyrus, which is primarily served by the middle cerebral artery, not the anterior cerebral artery. Left-sided upper extremity weakness would more typically result from middle cerebral artery involvement as well, because that artery supplies the lateral aspects of the motor cortex that control the upper extremities and face. Macular