Vertebro Basilar Stroke (Lower Brain Stroke)
Description
A stroke is an injury to the brain from insufficient blood flow resulting in brain death. The vertebral-basilar artery supplies the cerebellum and mid brain. A stroke in this area causes balance problems, room spinning, double vision and difficulty speaking. These blood vessels can be blocked by atherosclerosis and the other typical causes of stroke. Additionally, because the vertebral arteries travel through a channel in the spine and sudden flexing or extending, or chiropractic manipulation of the neck can cause injury (dissection) of this vessel causing the stroke even in young patients.
Symptoms
Room spinning (vertigo), double vision, incoordination, problems swallowing, difficulty speaking, weakness.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests will be done to establish the diagnosis. A CTA of the head and neck, a MRA of the head and neck or an angiogram identifies the vascular abnormality.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size of the stroke, the timing of the symptoms, and co-existing illness of the patient. Therapy may include: anti-platelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel/Plavix), blood pressure medications, heparin, thrombolytics, and/or anti-seizure medications. Thrombolytics or clot busting medications can only be given if patients are diagnosed within 4.5 hours of their first symptoms. Prevention of the disorder involves controlling blood pressure, treating elevated cholesterol, and not smoking.
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