Vertebrobasilar insufficiency

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency presents with characteristics symptoms and signs due to impaired perfusion of the cerebellum, the brain stem, and the occipital cortex. This may be due to reduced perfusion usually due to atherosclerosis or thromboembolism. Choice of treatment depends on understanding the different underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms. Antiplatelet therapy; reduction of risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and cigarette smoking; and a healthy lifestyle form the first line of management. Systemic anticoagulation in the short term also has a key role in selected cases. In patients with refractory symptoms on maximal medical therapy and underlying focal stenotic lesions, endovascular revascularization using stents and balloon angioplasty may be indicated. Bypass surgery is another option if there are factors that render endovascular therapy unsuitable. Copyright © 2006 by Current Science Inc.