Vertebrobasilar insufficiency

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency
Synonyms	VBI, vertebrobasilar ischemia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, headache, visual disturbances, ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, drop attacks
Complications	Stroke, permanent neurological deficits
Onset	Typically in older adults
Duration	Variable, can be transient or persistent
Types	N/A
Causes	Atherosclerosis, arterial dissection, embolism, vasculitis
Risks	Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, smoking, age, family history
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, Doppler ultrasound, MRI, MRA, CTA
Differential diagnosis	Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere's disease, labyrinthitis, multiple sclerosis, migraine
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulation, lifestyle modification, surgical intervention
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on underlying cause and treatment
Frequency	Common in older adults
Deaths	N/A

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) refers to a temporary set of symptoms due to decreased blood flow (ischemia) in the posterior circulation of the brain. The posterior circulation supplies blood to the medulla, cerebellum, pons, midbrain, thalamus, and occipital cortex (which controls vision).

Causes

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is typically caused by atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Other causes can include dissection of the vertebral or basilar artery and fibromuscular dysplasia.

Symptoms

Symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency are due to ischemia of the areas that the vertebrobasilar system supplies. These can include dizziness, vertigo, diplopia, perioral numbness, hearing loss, tinnitus, ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, weakness, syncope, sensory loss, nystagmus, and nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of vertebrobasilar insufficiency is typically made based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for vertebrobasilar insufficiency typically involves managing the underlying cause, such as atherosclerosis. This can include lifestyle changes, medication, or in some cases, surgery.

See also

• Atherosclerosis
• Ischemia
• Stroke

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Vertebrobasilar insufficiency