Question

Diagnosis of brain damage can be difficult, even today. However, through various behavioral tests and acute observation, physicians can often get a general idea of the affected areas of the brain.

For example, consider a patient who comes to her doctor complaining of pain and tingling on the right side of her body. Upon examination, her physician discovers that she has an abnormally strong reaction in both pain perception and temperature perception tests on the right side of her body (but not the left side). Her gait, coordination, and higher mental skills seem to be normal. Damage to which of the following brain areas is most likely the cause of the patient's symptoms? Select one:

A. Left side of the hypothalamus

B. Right side of the cerebellum

C. Left side of the thalamus

D. Various parts of the brain stem

Answer 1

Option C

The left side of the thalamus is involved in this patient

Thalamus is involved in the perception of various sensations in the body and the sensations on the left side of the body is processed by right thalamus and the sensations on the right side of the body is processed by left thalamus. So the left thalamus is involved in this patient

Damage to cerebellum would results in gait abnormalities and ataxia

Damage to hypothalamus would result in behavioral changes and neurohormonal dysregulation

Brain stem damage would results in weakness of the limbs, cranial nerve dysfunction, and respiratory and cardaic dysfunction (as respiratory and cardiac centers are located there)

Hope this helps.... Thank you!!!