The vertebral arteries originate in the neck and ascend to supply the upper spinal cord, the brainstem, the cerebellum and the occipital lobes and posterior temporal lobes of the brain. Various conditions can produce situations where insufficient blood is supplied to the brain. When this occurs, it would make common sense that those areas furthest away from the arteries are at most risk. Narrowing of these arteries, through atherosclerosis, affects the ability of the blood to reach the brain. Disease of the arteries going to the arms may result in blood being diverted to the arm during exercise. This mechanism can also lead to inadequate blood flow to the brain.
Causes of Basilar Insufficiency
The cause of vertebro-basilar insufficiency is usually atherosclerosis. Here, disease of the arteries leads to narrowing of the channel through which blood flows. Hypotension can also lead to ischemia or inadequate blood flow during position changes.
Signs and Symptoms of Basilar Insufficiency
Vertebro basilar insufficiency produces a variety of symptoms. These include dizziness, double vision, difficulty talking, facial weakness and numbness. In addition, weakness or numbness may occur on one or both sides of the body. Unsteady gait may occur, blurred vision and loss of vision may occur. Occasionally, drop attacks, sudden generalized weakness and memory loss may occur. In situations where disease within the arteries leading to the arm exists, exercise of the arm may redirect blood from the vertebral arteries to the arm. This exercise may produce the symptoms listed above.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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