Ischemic stroke in the vertebrobasilar territory: clinical and imaging examination

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.