A 63-year-old diabetic man develops abrupt vertigo with vomiting and inability to stand. Examination shows left sensorineural hearing loss, left lower motor neuron facial palsy, and left limb ataxia. MRI confirms infarction in the territory of which vessel?
- A Posterior inferior cerebellar artery
- B Anterior inferior cerebellar artery ✓
- C Superior cerebellar artery
- D Anterior spinal artery
Correct answer: B. Anterior inferior cerebellar artery
Explanation
The anterior inferior cerebellar artery supplies the inner ear via the labyrinthine branch, the pontine facial nerve fibres, and the cerebellum, so its occlusion combines acute vertigo with ipsilateral sensorineural deafness and facial palsy. Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (lateral medullary) infarction spares hearing and facial power because the labyrinthine territory is untouched, which is the fact that eliminates option A despite shared vertigo and ataxia.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.