Vascular Disorders Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Vertebral column Arteries of the brain Vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders Definition Vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders are conditions in which blood supply to the back of the brain is disrupted. See also: Transient ischemic attack Stroke Alternative Names Vertebrobasilar insufficiency; Posterior circulation ischemia Causes, incidence, and risk factors The vertebrobasilar system is also called the back (posterior) circulation of the brain. Three main blood vessels provide blood flow to the back of the brain: One basilar artery Two vertebral arteries The back of the brain contains structures that are crucial for keeping a person alive. For instance, the brainstem controls breathing and swallowing, among other things. Parts of the brain help with vision (occipital lobes) and movement coordination (cerebellus) are also located in the back of the brain. Many different conditions may cause blood flow in the back part of the brain to be reduced or stopped. The most common cause is a stroke due to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Vertebrobasilar vascular disorders may also be caused if a tear ( dissection) in an artery wall leads to the release of a clot that blocks blood flow. Dissection can be caused by clogged arteries, conditions such as fibromuscular dysplasia, or injuries such a car accident. It may even be caused by manipulations of the neck by a chiropractor, or during massage. However, most of the time, no apparent cause of dissection can be identified. When vertebrobasilar disease is present in a younger person, dissection of one of the arteries is often the cause. Other less common causes of vertebrobasilar vascular disorders include connective tissue diseases and vasculitis. Symptoms Difficulty keeping your balance Difficulty swallowing Difficulty walking Double vision or vision loss Headache Hearing loss Nausea and vomiting Neck ache Numbness or tingling Poor coordination Sleepiness or even apparent sleep from which the person can not be awakened Slurred speech Stroke or transient ischemic attack Vertigo (sensation of things spinning around) Signs and tests Tests depend on the possible underlying cause, but may include: CT or MRI of the brain Computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or ultrasound to look at blood vessels in the brain Blood tests, including blood clotting studies Echocardiogram Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitor Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) -- rarely needed X-rays of the arteries ( angiogram) Treatment Sudden onset of vertebrobasilar symptoms is a medical emergency tha ... Continue reading this article

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