Vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders

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Arteries of the brain

Vertebral column

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency; Posterior circulation ischemia

Sudden onset of vertebrobasilar symptoms is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. For treatment information, see:

• Transient ischemic attack
• Stroke

Treatment options may include:

• Diet changes and medication to lower cholesterol and control blood pressure
• Blood-thinning medications to lower your risk of stroke, such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix)

There is no good surgical treatment for patients who have narrowing of the vertebrobasilar arteries.

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The outlook depends in part on the underlying cause. Strokes are potentially life threatening, and require urgent medical care. Age and the person's overall health are taken into consideration when determining one's outlook for recovery. A substantial recovery can be expected in younger patients who have no significant medical problems.

Recovery also depends on the area of the brain that has been affected. The outlook 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 vision 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.

Review Date: 10/04/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Medical Director of Neurologique, Ponte Vedra, FL and President of the Florida Society of Neurology (FSN). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).