Which of the following stroke-related signs could be observed on exam?

Which of the following stroke-related signs could be observed on exam?

• A. All of the above
• B. Hemiparesis
• C. Urinary incontinence
• D. Gait ataxia

Answer: (D)

Stroke can produce observable deficits on examination, not just symptoms the patient mentions. Gait ataxia is a sign you can directly observe during a bedside Neuro exam: the patient may have an unsteady, wide-based gait, with difficulty coordinating steps and testing of coordinated movements. This reflects disruption of cerebellar or proprioceptive pathways often affected by stroke and is something you can document in the exam. Urinary incontinence, while a possible consequence of stroke, is typically a reported symptom rather than a sign you witness during a focused neurologic examination. Hemiparesis is indeed an exam finding, but the question emphasizes a sign you can observe in the gait/coordination context, making gait ataxia the most clearly observable exam sign among the options.

Stroke can produce observable deficits on examination, not just symptoms the patient mentions. Gait ataxia is a sign you can directly observe during a bedside Neuro exam: the patient may have an unsteady, wide-based gait, with difficulty coordinating steps and testing of coordinated movements. This reflects disruption of cerebellar or proprioceptive pathways often affected by stroke and is something you can document in the exam.

Urinary incontinence, while a possible consequence of stroke, is typically a reported symptom rather than a sign you witness during a focused neurologic examination. Hemiparesis is indeed an exam finding, but the question emphasizes a sign you can observe in the gait/coordination context, making gait ataxia the most clearly observable exam sign among the options.