Final answer:
The correct presentation that corresponds to a left lateral medullary CVA is gait and limb ataxia (option 1), characterized by the loss of coordination in voluntary movements and not symmetrical bilateral weakness (option 2), strictly contralateral symptoms (option 3), or weakness on one side of the body (option 4), although some unilateral weakness may be present.
Step-by-step explanation:
Left lateral medullary CVA, often referred to as Wallenberg syndrome or posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) stroke, involves a range of neurological symptoms due to the infarction of the lateral part of the medulla oblongata. The presentation includes various symptoms such as gait and limb ataxia, which is a movement disorder of the cerebellum presenting as a loss of coordination in voluntary movements, often observed among people with cerebellar damage.
Patients can experience sensory deficits that lead to balance problems in proprioception and equilibrium, contributing to difficulties in gait and station. Since the inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP) brings sensory feedback to the cerebellum primarily from the inferior olive, damage to this area can interrupt this feedback leading to ataxia symptoms. It is important to note that, unlike some strokes which can cause symmetrical and bilateral body weakness, or purely contralateral symptoms, lateral medullary syndrome typically causes symptoms including weakness on one side of the body and various other autonomic and sensory dysfunctions localized to the side of the stroke. These include difficulties with swallowing, vertigo, nystagmus, and even alterations in pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side of the body.