A hemispheric stroke usually affects which artery distribution and side of the body?

A hemispheric stroke typically involves the middle cerebral artery distribution, which is responsible for a significant portion of the lateral aspect of the cerebral hemispheres. When a stroke occurs in this region, it affects the areas of the brain that control motor and sensory functions for the body. The middle cerebral artery supplies blood to much of the lateral surface of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, which correspond to areas responsible for movement and sensation of the arms, face, and, to some extent, the speech centers.

In terms of bodily effects, a hemispheric stroke usually results in contralateral symptoms, meaning that if the stroke occurs in the left hemisphere, it affects the right side of the body, and vice versa. This is due to the crossing over of neural pathways in the brainstem, where motor control from one side of the brain influences the opposite side of the body.

This understanding is crucial for recognizing the patterns of neurological deficits that may arise from strokes based on their location and which arteries are involved.