Course

PCA strokes and macular sparing — occipital localization, visual fields, and MRI/CTA (Advanced)

Advanced course: PCA/occipital strokes often cause homonymous visual field loss; some people have ‘macular sparing’. Learn localization concepts, how formal field testing helps, and how CT/MRI/CTA detect ischemic vs hemorrhagic causes

FoundationsCaregiver, SurvivorAdvanced55 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — not medical advice.

What you'll learn

  • Recognize PCA/occipital stroke visual field patterns
  • Understand macular sparing as a localization clue (high-level)
  • Understand role of formal visual field testing
  • Understand imaging: CT for hemorrhage, MRI DWI for infarct, CTA/MRA for PCA/basilar vessels

Practice check

Check your understanding

A few untimed questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback, then continue to the next lesson.

0 of 3 answered

Question 1

1. Occipital (PCA) strokes can cause homonymous visual field loss.

Question 2

2. Formal visual field testing helps by…

Question 3

3. MRI DWI is valuable because it…