Vertebral artery occlusions fall under the umbrella of Vertebrobasilar Disease (VBD), otherwise known as Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency (VBI). The condition is defined by inadequate blood flow to the rear section of the brain responsible for coordination, vision, balance, consciousness and other necessary functions. Two separate vertebral arteries, which from the basilar artery, feed in this region. Over time, atherosclerosis causes plaque buildup leading to a blockage of the two arteries. A temporary blockage or severe restriction of blood flow is an ischemic event and holds serious consequences. In other words, vertebral artery occlusions are extremely serious. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or “mini-stroke” causes a temporary loss of brain function, but a full-blown stroke is the next step. Thankfully, there are warning signs and symptoms, as well as treatments, for VBD.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the largest cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. It is capable of affecting every artery in the body. Diagnosis of atherosclerosis is both a cause of vertebral artery occlusion and a symptom which may occur quite early in the development of the makes it more than just a cause of a vertebral artery occlusion it makes it a symptom which can occur long before the ultimate event.

Vertigo and Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

Feelings of vertigo or dizziness with no apparent cause may be the singular symptom that accompanies vertebrobasilar insufficiency; it is certainly the most common. The symptom is, in itself, a reason to seek immediate medical attention. Vertigo from a vertebrobasilar insufficiency can be brought on by turning the head to the side, which temporarily blocks the contralateral vertebral artery decreasing blood flow.

Double Vision

Diplopia or double vision is another reason to seek immediate medical attention as, outside of a blow to the head, this symptom is not a regular occurrence. If vertigo accompanies double vision, it is even more important to seek medical attention, as many people later diagnosed with vertebrobasilar insufficiency first present with these two symptoms.

Sudden and Severe Weakness

This is often referred to as a “drop attack.” One minute you’re walking down the street and the next moment you’ve taken a knee. The weakness may last for only a second or two, or up to half a minute. A drop attack is a strong sign that you may have just had an ischemic incident caused by vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Many people tell their doctors the events feel like panic attacks.

Difficulty Swallowing

The vertebral arteries are responsible for swallowing. If you don’t suffer from acid reflux issues but suddenly are struggling to swallow, it is a good idea to seek medical care. The quicker you can see a doctor and have your condition diagnosed, the better chance you have of stopping its progression.

Additional Symptoms of Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

Numbness in the hands or feet, slurred speech, a feeling of sudden confusion, nausea, loss of balance, and a brief loss of vision in one or both eyes are all reliable indicators that something is wrong and that emergency medical attention is needed. Everyone feels nausea from time to time, but if it’s coupled with one or more of any of these symptoms, it’s imperative that you get to a hospital.

Diagnosis of Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

If your doctor suspects vertebrobasilar insufficiency, he or she will likely order a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and a standard (x-ray) angiography to study the vertebral and basilar arteries. If the physician suspects a mini-stroke or stroke, he or she will also likely order a CT or MR scan of the brain for confirmation.

Treatment of Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

Whether or not your doctor foresees endosvascular or surgical options in your future, you can be sure he or she will demand lifestyle changes immediately. Topping this list is the immediate cessation of smoking. Additionally, your doctor will suggest a low-cholesterol diet, exercise, and weight loss if appropriate. He or she may also prescribe medication that that controls high blood pressure, lowers blood cholesterol levels, blocks platelet function, and controls diabetes.

Endovascular Repair For Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

In many instances, lifestyle changes will not be enough to fully treat vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Before, or in lieu, of invasive surgery, your doctor may try to fix the issue with endovascular repair, wherein a catheter inserted into the groin is used to place a balloon that will inflate the artery wall. A metal stent or multiple stents will then be inserted to keep the artery open and return blood flow.

Surgical Options for Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

A blockage’s proximity to the brain will determine available surgical options. The farther away, the more likely your surgeon will be willing to undergo one of three procedures: bypass grafting, where the surgeon bypasses the blockage with a new blood vessel; arterial transposition, where the surgeon attaches a portion of the problematic artery to a healthy one nearby; and endarterectomy, wherein the doctor removes the plaque responsible for the blockage. These surgical options can drastically reduce the likelihood of a patient’s vertebrobasilar insufficiency progressing to a vertebral artery occlusion.