MS-3652

An 88-year-old male is brought to the emergency department by his carer due to complaints of numbness and tingling in his face upon waking up. His medical history includes hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Upon examination, he exhibits altered sensation limited to his face, with no signs of limb weakness, visual changes, or hearing loss. An MRI scan confirms ischaemia to the thalamus. Which specific nucleus of the thalamus is most likely affected?