A basilar artery stroke is relatively uncommon but severe, involving a blood clot in a major artery at the base of the brain.
The basilar artery is a vital blood vessel located at the base of the brain. It plays a key role in delivering oxygen-rich blood to essential regions, including the brainstem and cerebellum.
A stroke in the basilar artery occurs when a blockage, such as a clot or embolism, obstructs blood flow to these critical areas. This disruption can lead to a lack of oxygen, resulting in potential brain damage.
This type of stroke is relatively uncommon, making up
It’s not always possible to determine the exact cause of a stroke, but the
- Emboli (36% of cases): Blood clots or other materials from the heart, aorta, or vertebral artery can travel and block the basilar artery.
- Atherosclerosis (35%): Plaque buildup causes narrowing within the basilar artery, leading to reduced blood flow.
- Dissection (5%): A tear in the wall of the basilar artery can result in blood flow disruption.
- Other causes (24%): These include rare blood vessel conditions or instances where the exact cause is unknown.
In general, an embolus (a blood clot) that travels from large arteries like the vertebral artery, basilar artery, or posterior cerebral artery causes about
Risk factors of a basilar artery stroke
Several risk factors can increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing a basilar artery stroke.
- high blood pressure (found in up to 70% of cases, making it the most common risk factor)
- diabetes mellitus
- coronary artery disease
- peripheral vascular disease (affects blood vessels outside the heart and brain)
- cigarette smoking
- high cholesterol
- male sex (2:1 male-to-female ratio)
- older age (average age 63)
- atherosclerotic disease
- embolism (more common in younger adults in their 30s)
A person experiencing a basilar artery stroke might notice sudden and severe symptoms, including the
- Dizziness or vertigo: Severe balance and coordination issues.
- Vision problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or sudden loss of vision.
- Difficulty speaking: Trouble with articulation or understanding speech.
- Weakness or numbness: Particularly in the limbs or face, often on one side of the body.
- Loss of consciousness: Episodes of fainting or altered awareness.
- Difficulty swallowing: Problems with swallowing or choking.
- Headache: Severe headache, often described as sudden and intense.
- Impaired coordination: Trouble with motor skills, clumsiness, or difficulty walking.
Diagnosing a basilar artery stroke typically begins with a clinical evaluation to check for symptoms and assess neurological function. Imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs can then identify areas of reduced blood flow or blockages.
For more detailed images of the arteries, doctors may use CT angiography (CTA) or catheter angiography.
Additional tests, including blood work and an electrocardiogram (ECG), help assess overall health and detect any underlying conditions that could contribute to the stroke.
Treatment options for a basilar artery stroke
- Systemic thrombolysis: This involves giving medication through an IV to dissolve blood clots. It’s most effective if given within a few hours of the stroke.
- Intra-arterial thrombolysis: This treatment uses a catheter to deliver clot-dissolving medication directly into the basilar artery, especially if IV treatment isn’t suitable.
- Mechanical endovascular thrombectomy: This procedure physically removes the clot from the artery using a catheter. It can be done within 24 to 48 hours of stroke symptoms starting.
- Antithrombotic therapy: Medications can prevent new clots from forming, typically after the initial treatment, to lower the risk of another stroke.
- Secondary prevention: This focuses on managing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and making lifestyle changes to prevent future strokes.
What is the recovery time for a basilar artery stroke
Recovery time for a basilar artery stroke can vary significantly depending on the treatment received and individual patient factors.
Similarly, individuals treated with thrombectomy (a procedure to remove the clot) often experience favorable outcomes at the
The risk of death from a basilar artery stroke is quite high,
With treatment using clot-busting drugs, around
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment can greatly improve outcomes and lower the risk of severe complications.
Although a basilar artery stroke is a serious condition, advances in medical care and treatment options provide hope for recovery.
With prompt intervention and appropriate care, many individuals can experience significant improvements in their health.