Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

Question 1

What is VBI

Answer 1

The reduction in blood flow to the posterior brain supplied by the vertebral and basil,as arteries. These arteries supply blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to vital structures, such as the brain stems

Question 2

Epidemiology and risk factors of VBI

Answer 2

Age, older at more risk
Arteriosclerosis, presence of vascular disease
Hypertension, high bp can contribute to vascular change
Hyperlidemia, elevated cholesterol level leads to to plaque
Diabetes, smoking,
Sedentary lifestyle
Often under diagnosed

Question 3

Clinical presentation of VBI

Answer 3

Dizziness or vertigo
Ataxia, lack of voluntary coordination
Visual disturbances, blurred or double vision
Syncope (fainting)
Nausea and vomitting
Weakness or numbness in the limbs
Difficulty speaking or swallowing

Question 4

Systemic effects of VBI

Answer 4

Dizziness or vertigo
Balance disturbances
Ataxia, lack of voluntary coordination
Visual disturbances, blurred or double vision
Syncope
Nausea and vimitting
Weakness in limbs

Question 5

Differential diagnosis of VBI

Answer 5

Transient ischeamic attack (TIA)
Strike
Migraine
Multiple sclerosis
Cervical spondylosis tumours or lesions in pos fossa

Question 6

Pathology of VBI

Answer 6

Often caused by artherisclerosis, narrowing of the vertebral and basilar arteries. Other potential causes include embolism, vertebral artery distraction and compression of the arteries due to cervical spine abnormalities or tumours. The reduced blood flow can results in ischeamic of the brain set, and cerebellum, leading to neurological defects

Question 7

Treatment of VBI

Answer 7

Lifestyle modifications- diet and regular excercise
Medications, aspirin or anticoagulants
Management of risk factors- hypertension, diabetes, Hyperlidemia
Surgical interventions