What type of infarction is typically associated with contralateral upper and lower extremity weakness, and contralateral proprioception loss?

Infarction associated with contralateral upper and lower extremity weakness as well as contralateral proprioception loss is primarily linked to anterior spinal artery infarction. This type of infarction affects the anterior portion of the spinal cord, leading to damage of the corticospinal tracts responsible for voluntary motor control, which results in weakness on the side opposite to the lesion (contralateral). Additionally, because the anterior spinal artery supplies the part of the spinal cord where these motor pathways are located, proprioceptive sensations can also be disrupted, further causing loss of proprioception on the contralateral side.

Contralateral weakness and proprioceptive loss typically arise due to the involvement of the pathways that respond to motor control and proprioception. In an anterior spinal artery infarction, these pathways that traverse through the anterior portion of the spinal cord become compromised, leading to the clinical presentation observed.

Other types of infarctions do not produce this specific combination of symptoms to the same degree or in the same way. Understanding the vascular supply and function of the areas affected by these infarctions is critical in diagnosing the underlying cause of symptoms when they occur.