Vertebral- basilar artery insufficiency

About Vertebral- basilar artery insufficiency

Insufficient blood flow to the cerebellum and mid brain. The vertebral arteries feed into the basilar artery. They supply blood to the cerebellum and mid brain. Decreased blood flow in this area causes balance problems, room spinning, double vision and difficulty speaking. These blood vessels can be blocked from atherosclerosis, an arterial dissection, or an embolus (a blood clot from the heart that breaks loose and lodges in the vertebral or basilar artery). Atrial fibrillation is the most cause of emboli travelling from the heart to an artery.

Symptoms

Loss of vision, particularly affecting same part of the visual field on both eyes, double vision, vertigo (sensation of things spinning around), numbness or tingling, nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing, problems with balance, poor coordination, headache, neck ache, loss of hearing, slurred speech.

Tests & Diagnostics

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.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, EKG, MRI, X-ray.

Path 2 — Over-the-Counter Options

OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments

Aspirin

Path 3 — Prescription Options

Prescription medications

Conventional treatment summary

Therapy is divided into emergency treatment, and the prevention of recurrences. Treatment of acute symptoms may include: anti-platelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel/Plavix), heparin, blood pressure medications, and/or thrombolytics. Thrombolytics or clot busting medications can only be given if patients are diagnosed within several hours of their first symptoms. Prevention of the disorder involves controlling blood pressure, treating elevated cholesterol, and not smoking.

Medical specialties

Neurology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Vertebral- basilar artery insufficiency.