Middle cerebral artery syndrome is a condition whereby the blood supply from the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is restricted, leading to a reduction of the function of the portions of the brain supplied by that vessel: the lateral aspects of frontal, temporal and parietal lobes, the corona radiata, globus pallidus, caudate and putamen.

More distal blockages tend to produce milder deficits due to more extensive branching of the artery and less ischemic response.

In contrast, the most proximal occlusions result in widespread effects that can lead to significant cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, loss of consciousness and could even be fatal.

[1] In such occasions, mannitol (osmotic diuretic) or hypertonic saline are given to draw fluid out of the edematous cerebrum to minimise secondary injury.

Note: *faciobrachial deficits greater than that of the lower limb[1][3] Diagnosis in the setting of stroke can be confirmed by CT Scan or MRI for advanced investigations.