Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 6 min read
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Article Summary

Posterior spinal artery syndrome (PSAS), also known as posterior spinal cord syndrome, is a rare condition that occurs due to the disruption of blood flow in the posterior spinal artery. This artery supplies blood to the back part of the spinal cord, which is crucial for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain. Types of Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome PSAS can manifest in...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Causes of Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Symptoms of Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Diagnostic Tests for Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome in simple medical language.
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Definition

Posterior spinal (PSAS), also known as posterior syndrome, is a rare condition that occurs due to the disruption of blood flow in the posterior spinal artery. This artery supplies blood to the back part of the spinal cord, which is crucial for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain.

Types of Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome

PSAS can manifest in different forms, depending on the location and extent of the spinal cord affected. The two main types are:

  1. Complete PSAS: Involves a complete blockage of blood flow to the posterior spinal cord.
  2. Incomplete PSAS: Partial blockage where some blood flow remains, leading to varying degrees of sensory impairment.

Causes of Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome

Understanding the causes helps in identifying risk factors and preventive measures. Common causes include:

  1. : Narrowing of due to buildup.
  2. Traumatic Injury: Physical damage to the spine affecting blood flow.
  3. : Blood clot formation within the spinal artery.
  4. Vascular Malformations: Abnormalities in the blood vessels of the spine.
  5. Inflammatory Conditions: Such as vasculitis affecting spinal blood vessels.

Symptoms of Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome

Recognizing symptoms early is crucial for timely intervention. Symptoms may include:

  1. Sensory Loss: Decreased ability to feel temperature, , or touch.
  2. : Difficulty moving or controlling muscles.
  3. Loss of Reflexes: Reduced or absent reflex responses.
  4. Bowel and Dysfunction: Problems with urinary or fecal .
  5. Sexual Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining arousal.

Diagnostic Tests for Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome

Prompt involves various tests to confirm the condition and its severity:

  1. (): Provides detailed images of the spinal cord.
  2. (): Helps visualize spinal structures and blood flow.
  3. : Uses contrast dye to outline blood vessels for detailed .
  4. Electromyography (): Measures electrical activity in muscles to assess nerve damage.
  5. Blood Tests: To rule out underlying conditions like vasculitis or clotting disorders.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome

Managing PSAS often involves supportive therapies to improve quality of life:

  1. : Exercises to maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
  2. Occupational Therapy: Techniques to perform daily activities more independently.
  3. Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, braces, or walking aids for mobility.
  4. Psychotherapy: Counseling to cope with emotional and psychological impacts.
  5. Lifestyle Modifications: Adjustments in diet and daily routine to accommodate physical limitations.

Drugs Used in the Treatment of Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome

Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or underlying causes:

  1. Anticoagulants: To prevent further blood clot formation.
  2. Pain Relievers: For managing neuropathic pain.
  3. Muscle Relaxants: To reduce muscle spasms and .
  4. Vasodilators: Medications to widen blood vessels and improve circulation.
  5. Corticosteroids: drugs to reduce spinal cord .

Surgeries for Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome

In cases or to address specific complications, surgical interventions may be necessary:

  1. Thrombectomy: Surgical removal of blood clots obstructing spinal blood flow.
  2. Vascular Repair: Surgery to correct abnormalities in spinal blood vessels.
  3. Spinal Fusion: Stabilization of the spine to prevent further damage.
  4. Decompression Surgery: Relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
  5. Intrathecal Drug Delivery: Implantation of a device for targeted drug delivery to the spinal cord.

Prevention of Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome

While some causes are unavoidable, reducing risk factors can help prevent PSAS:

  1. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise and a balanced diet to prevent vascular diseases.
  2. Avoiding : Taking precautions to prevent spinal injuries.
  3. Managing Underlying Conditions: Such as or that can contribute to vascular issues.
  4. Quitting Smoking: Tobacco use increases the risk of vascular diseases.
  5. Regular Medical Check-ups: blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

When to See a Doctor

Early consultation is crucial if you experience symptoms suggestive of PSAS:

  1. Sudden Onset of Sensory Loss: Especially if localized to the back or lower extremities.
  2. Unexplained Muscle Weakness: Difficulty moving limbs or loss of coordination.
  3. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Function: Such as incontinence or difficulty urinating.
  4. Persistent Pain or Numbness: In the back, legs, or other areas supplied by the spinal cord.
  5. Recent Trauma to the Spine: Even if symptoms appear mild initially.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

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Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
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  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
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Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

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Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
  • Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Posterior Spinal Artery Syndrome

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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