Vertebral-basilar stroke (lower brain stroke)
About Vertebral-basilar stroke (lower brain stroke)
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, 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
Room spinning (vertigo), double vision, incoordination, problems swallowing, difficulty speaking, weakness.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.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
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), heparin, 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 stroke (lower brain stroke).