Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT one of the classic syndromes of lacunar strokes?

1. Pure sensory stroke

2. Mixed hypermotor syndrome

3. Ataxic hemiparesis

4. Dysarthria/clumsy hand syndrome

The correct answer is: Mixed hypermotor syndrome

The correct response is the mixed hypermotor syndrome, as this syndrome is not recognized as one of the classic lacunar stroke syndromes. Lacunar strokes typically arise from small, penetrating arteries that supply deep structures of the brain. The classic syndromes associated with lacunar strokes include pure sensory strokes, which present with sensory deficits on one side of the body without motor involvement; ataxic hemiparesis, characterized by weakness and coordination problems on the affected side; and dysarthria/clumsy hand syndrome, which involves speech difficulties and hand coordination issues. Mixed hypermotor syndrome, on the other hand, is not a specific presentation linked to lacunar strokes and may be associated with other conditions, such as certain types of movement disorders or more complex pathologies involving both the motor and sensory pathways. Recognizing the distinct syndromes of lacunar strokes is crucial for effective diagnosis and management in clinical practice, particularly in neurology.