Abstract:
Background. Vertebrobasilar ischemic stroke is a major emergency, associated with a
variable clinical picture and high risk of severe disability or death. Involvement of this
territory may cause balance disorders, diplopia, dysarthria, dysphagia, and coma. Rapid
diagnosis relies on accurate imaging.
Objective(s). Analysis of clinical and imaging features in patients with vertebrobasilar
ischemic stroke to highlight the correlation between clinical manifestations and lesion
location.
Materials and methods. The study will be based on the analysis of medical records of
patients admitted to the Neurology Department of the Institute of Emergency Medicine with
vertebrobasilar ischemic stroke. Anamnestic, clinical, and imaging data (CT and/or brain
MRI) will be collected and correlated with neurological status at admission.
Results. The identified clinical spectrum suggests involvement of the brainstem and
cerebellum, with symptoms such as vertigo, ataxia, dysarthria, diplopia, and dysphagia,
which may indicate specific vascular syndromes, including lateral medullary infarction
(Wallenberg syndrome) or anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) involvement. Ischemic
lesions detected on brain MRI, localized in pontine or cerebellar regions, may explain the
symptom variability. Detailed imaging analysis and correlation with clinical manifestations
will clarify pathological mechanisms and guide therapeutic strategies to optimize prognosis.
Conclusion(s). Ischemic stroke in the vertebrobasilar territory has a variable prognosis.
Early recognition of suggestive clinical signs and proper use of imaging are essential for
accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment. MRI is superior to CT in detecting brainstem
lesions.
