title: Vertebrobasilar infarcts and ischemia.
abstract: This article discusses the clinical presentation of vertebrobasilar ischemia and infarcts. Pertinent dizziness intake questions are presented, as well as key components of the physical examination. The anatomy of the posterior cerebral circulation is discussed as are syndromes associated with cerebrovascular infarcts in the posterior circulation. A high incidence of recurrence of ischemic attacks or infarcts in vertebrobasilar insufficiency is noted. The authors note that recent developments in imaging and interventions may indicate need for referral or consultation with specialists in some cases.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurotology, UCLA School of Medicine, Reed Neurological Research Center, 710 Westwood Boulevard, Box 951769, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. gishiyama@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ishiyama
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ishiyama
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D020520:Brain Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010808:Physical Examination; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014715:Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology