Treatment:

Sudden onset of vertebrobasilar symptoms is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. For treatment information, see:

• Transient ischemic attack
• Stroke

Several possible treatments are available for treating symptoms due to off and on (intermittant) narrowing of the blood vessels. However, there is generally no good surgical treatment for patients who have narrowing of the vertebrobasilar arteries. Blood pressure may be permanently raised to make sure enough blood gets to that part of the brain or blood thinners may be used to make sure additional clots do not form.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook depends in part on the underlying cause. Strokes are potentially life threatening, and require urgent medical care. Age and the person's overall health are taken into consideration when determining one's outlook for recovery. A substantial recovery can be expected in younger patients who have no significant medical problems.

Recovery also depends on the area of the brain that has been affected. The outlook is very poor when the patient is in a coma or cannot move both arms and legs.

Complications:

Complications of vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders are stroke and its complications. The complications of stroke include:

• Respiratory (breathing) failure (which may require use of a machine to help the patient breathe)
• Lung problems (especially lung infections)
• Heart attack
• Dehydration and swallowing problems (sometimes leading to the placement of tubes in the stomach for artificial feeding)
• Problems with movement or sensation, including paralysis and numbness
• Formation of clots in the legs

Patients may have visual loss in one eye.

Complications caused by medications or surgery may also occur.

Calling your health care provider:

Call 911 or your local emergency number, or get to the emergency room if you have any symptoms that may suggest a vertebrobasilar circulatory disorder.