26A. Symptoms of insufficient blood circulation in vertebrobasilar territory (+ the posterior circulation)
For introduction to stroke symptoms, see topic 16A.
The posterior circulation supplies the brain stem and thalamus (+ cerebellum and occipital cortex), and as such may produce a larger variety of symptoms than anterior circulation strokes.
Symptoms of insufficient blood supply of the vertebrobasilar artery territory
- Vertigo
- Diplopia
- Dysarthria
- Uni/bilateral sensory loss
- Uni/bilateral paresis/plaegia
- Bilateral visual changes/hemianopia
- Altered consciousness
- Dysphagia
- Ataxia
- Alternating brainstem syndrome