Vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders

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Arteries of the brain

Vertebral column

If a dissection is found, it may be left to disappear on its own, or it may be treated with aspirin or warfarin for 3-6 months.

If there is a significant blockage of a blood vessel, an angioplasty may open up the artery with a balloon, and a stent can be used to keep it open. However, stents are not universally available and contrarily, their placement may cause a stroke.

If blood vessel problems exist as a result of another illness (such as vasculitis), steroids or other immune-suppressing drugs may be used.

The outlook depends in part on the underlying cause. Strokes of the brainstem region are potentially life-threatening, and require urgent medical care. The most important factors in determining the outlook for recovery are age, and associated medical problems.

When patients are young and have no significant medical problems, a substantial recovery can be expected.

Recovery also depends on the area of the brain that has been affected. The prognosis is very poor when the patient is in a coma or cannot move both arms and legs.

Complications of vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders are stroke and its complications. The complications of stroke include:

• Respiratory (breathing) failure (which may require use of a machine to help the patient breathe)
• Lung problems (especially lung infections)
• Heart attack
• Dehydration and swallowing problems (sometimes leading to the placement of tubes in the stomach for artificial feeding)
• Problems with movement or sensation, including paralysis and numbness
• Formation of clots in the legs

Patients may have visual loss in one eye.

Complications caused by medications or surgery may also occur.

Call 911 or your local emergency number, or get to the emergency room if you have any symptoms that may suggest a vertebrobasilar circulatory disorder. Remember the motto of the stroke doctor -- "Time is brain."

Review Date: 09/07/2006
Reviewed By: Kenneth Gross, M.D., Neurology, North Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.