18th August 2024

A 58-year-old man is brought into A&E following a collapse at work after which he was unresponsive

A 58-year-old man is brought into A&E following a collapse at work after which he was unresponsive. His wife reports he was well when he went to work that morning. He has a background of atrial fibrillation and hypertension. Initial examination reveals quadriplegia and with no obvious response to tests of sensation. There is complete aphasia and reduced facial movements. You notice that he appears alert and is able to blink and move his eyes, although more fully in the vertical plane. Where is the lesion most likely to have affected?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.