Posterior Circulation Infarction

A posterior circulation infarction is a type of stroke that affects the back part of the brain. This area is supplied by arteries coming from the vertebrobasilar system, which includes the vertebral and basilar arteries. When these arteries are blocked or narrowed, it can cause a stroke, leading to various symptoms and potential complications.

Types of Posterior Circulation Infarction

  1. Lateral Medullary Syndrome (Wallenberg Syndrome): Affects the lateral part of the medulla oblongata.
  2. Medial Medullary Syndrome: Impacts the medial medulla oblongata.
  3. Basilar Artery Occlusion: Blockage of the basilar artery affecting the brainstem.
  4. Top of the Basilar Syndrome: Affects the top part of the basilar artery.
  5. Posterior Cerebral Artery Infarction: Affects the posterior cerebral arteries.
  6. Cerebellar Infarction: Involves the cerebellum.
  7. Pontine Infarction: Impacts the pons in the brainstem.
  8. Midbrain Infarction: Affects the midbrain area.
  9. Occipital Lobe Infarction: Involves the occipital lobes of the brain.
  10. Thalamic Infarction: Affects the thalamus.
  11. Subclavian Steal Syndrome: A rare type of posterior circulation stroke.
  12. Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA) Infarction: Affects the PICA.
  13. Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA) Infarction: Impacts the AICA.
  14. Superior Cerebellar Artery (SCA) Infarction: Involves the SCA.
  15. Locked-In Syndrome: Severe brainstem stroke leading to paralysis.
  16. Dorsal Midbrain Syndrome (Parinaud’s Syndrome): Affects the dorsal midbrain.
  17. Thalamoperforating Artery Infarction: Involves the arteries perforating the thalamus.
  18. Percheron Artery Infarction: Rare thalamic stroke.
  19. Posterior Choroidal Artery Infarction: Affects the posterior choroidal artery.
  20. Brainstem Infarction: General infarction affecting any part of the brainstem.

Causes of Posterior Circulation Infarction

  1. Atherosclerosis: Hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
  2. Blood Clots: Blockage of blood flow in the arteries.
  3. Hypertension: High blood pressure damaging the blood vessels.
  4. Embolism: A traveling blood clot from another part of the body.
  5. Vertebral Artery Dissection: Tear in the artery wall.
  6. Basilar Artery Thrombosis: Blood clot in the basilar artery.
  7. Cardiac Disorders: Heart conditions like atrial fibrillation.
  8. Hyperlipidemia: High levels of fats in the blood.
  9. Diabetes Mellitus: Chronic high blood sugar levels.
  10. Smoking: Damages blood vessels and increases clot risk.
  11. Obesity: Increases strain on the cardiovascular system.
  12. Alcohol Consumption: Excessive drinking affecting blood pressure.
  13. Drug Abuse: Illegal drugs can increase stroke risk.
  14. Genetic Factors: Family history of strokes.
  15. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity.
  16. Age: Higher risk as you get older.
  17. Gender: Men have a higher risk but women have more severe strokes.
  18. Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus.
  19. Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills can increase stroke risk.
  20. Migraine with Aura: Severe headaches with sensory disturbances.

Symptoms of Posterior Circulation Infarction

  1. Vertigo: Feeling of spinning or dizziness.
  2. Ataxia: Lack of muscle coordination.
  3. Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick and throwing up.
  4. Double Vision: Seeing two images instead of one.
  5. Slurred Speech: Difficulty speaking clearly.
  6. Difficulty Swallowing: Trouble with eating or drinking.
  7. Weakness: Especially in the arms and legs.
  8. Numbness: Loss of sensation in parts of the body.
  9. Loss of Balance: Trouble standing or walking.
  10. Headache: Severe and sudden head pain.
  11. Hearing Loss: Partial or complete loss of hearing.
  12. Vision Loss: Sudden blindness or visual disturbances.
  13. Confusion: Trouble understanding or thinking clearly.
  14. Memory Loss: Forgetting recent events or information.
  15. Drowsiness: Feeling unusually sleepy or lethargic.
  16. Hiccups: Persistent hiccups that don’t go away.
  17. Facial Drooping: One side of the face may droop.
  18. Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
  19. Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
  20. Coma: Loss of consciousness for an extended period.

Diagnostic Tests for Posterior Circulation Infarction

  1. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Detailed brain images.
  2. CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Quick brain imaging.
  3. MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography): Imaging blood vessels.
  4. CTA (Computed Tomography Angiography): Blood vessel imaging with CT.
  5. Carotid Ultrasound: Checks for blockages in neck arteries.
  6. Doppler Ultrasound: Measures blood flow in arteries.
  7. Echocardiogram: Ultrasound of the heart.
  8. ECG (Electrocardiogram): Measures heart’s electrical activity.
  9. Blood Tests: Check for clotting disorders and other issues.
  10. Cerebral Angiography: Detailed imaging of brain blood vessels.
  11. Transcranial Doppler: Measures blood flow in brain arteries.
  12. Holter Monitor: 24-hour heart activity monitoring.
  13. Blood Pressure Monitoring: Checking for high blood pressure.
  14. Cholesterol Test: Measuring blood fat levels.
  15. Blood Sugar Test: Checking for diabetes.
  16. Coagulation Tests: Assessing blood clotting ability.
  17. Lumbar Puncture: Checking cerebrospinal fluid.
  18. EEG (Electroencephalogram): Measuring brain’s electrical activity.
  19. Neurological Examination: Assessing brain function.
  20. Visual Field Test: Checking for vision problems.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Posterior Circulation Infarction

  1. Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve movement and strength.
  2. Occupational Therapy: Helps with daily living activities.
  3. Speech Therapy: Improving speech and swallowing abilities.
  4. Cognitive Rehabilitation: Exercises to improve thinking skills.
  5. Balance Training: Exercises to improve balance.
  6. Dietary Changes: Healthy eating to improve overall health.
  7. Smoking Cessation Programs: Help to stop smoking.
  8. Weight Management: Programs to achieve a healthy weight.
  9. Regular Exercise: Physical activity to improve heart health.
  10. Stress Management Techniques: Reducing stress through various methods.
  11. Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine technique.
  12. Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments and other treatments.
  13. Yoga: Combining physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.
  14. Meditation: Mindfulness practices to reduce stress.
  15. Tai Chi: Gentle physical exercises and stretches.
  16. Hydrotherapy: Using water for pain relief and treatment.
  17. Massage Therapy: Manipulating muscles and tissues.
  18. Ergonomic Adjustments: Improving work and home environments.
  19. Home Modifications: Making the home safer and more accessible.
  20. Social Support Groups: Connecting with others who have had a stroke.
  21. Music Therapy: Using music to improve mood and cognitive function.
  22. Art Therapy: Creative expression to enhance emotional well-being.
  23. Pet Therapy: Interaction with animals to improve mood.
  24. Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on a balanced diet.
  25. Biofeedback: Using sensors to improve body awareness.
  26. Aromatherapy: Using essential oils for relaxation and healing.
  27. Light Therapy: Using light to improve mood and energy.
  28. Sleep Hygiene: Improving sleep habits and environment.
  29. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Structured mindfulness program.
  30. Community Resources: Accessing local services and programs.

Drugs for Posterior Circulation Infarction

  1. Aspirin: Prevents blood clots.
  2. Clopidogrel (Plavix): Another blood thinner.
  3. Warfarin (Coumadin): Blood thinner requiring regular blood tests.
  4. Dabigatran (Pradaxa): Blood thinner with fewer monitoring needs.
  5. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto): Oral anticoagulant.
  6. Apixaban (Eliquis): Blood thinner.
  7. Heparin: Injectable anticoagulant.
  8. Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA): Breaks up clots in emergency settings.
  9. Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin, Simvastatin): Lower cholesterol.
  10. Antihypertensives (e.g., Lisinopril, Amlodipine): Lower blood pressure.
  11. Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide): Reduce blood pressure by removing excess fluid.
  12. Beta Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol): Lower blood pressure and heart rate.
  13. Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Diltiazem): Lower blood pressure.
  14. ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril): Lower blood pressure.
  15. ARBs (e.g., Losartan): Lower blood pressure.
  16. Nitroglycerin: Used for chest pain and heart issues.
  17. Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs like Fluoxetine): Improve mood.
  18. Anti-Anxiety Medications (e.g., Lorazepam): Reduce anxiety.
  19. Anticonvulsants (e.g., Levetiracetam): Prevent seizures.
  20. Pain Relievers (e.g., Acetaminophen): Manage pain.

Surgeries for Posterior Circulation Infarction

  1. Carotid Endarterectomy: Removing plaque from carotid arteries.
  2. Carotid Artery Stenting: Placing a stent to keep the artery open.
  3. Thrombectomy: Removing a blood clot from a blood vessel.
  4. Aneurysm Clipping: Surgically placing a clip around an aneurysm.
  5. Aneurysm Coiling: Inserting coils to prevent aneurysm rupture.
  6. Bypass Surgery: Creating a new path for blood flow around a blocked artery.
  7. Craniectomy: Removing part of the skull to relieve pressure.
  8. Ventriculostomy: Draining excess cerebrospinal fluid.
  9. Decompressive Surgery: Relieving pressure on the brain.
  10. Microvascular Decompression: Relieving pressure on a nerve caused by blood vessels.

Preventions for Posterior Circulation Infarction

  1. Healthy Diet: Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  2. Regular Exercise: At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
  3. Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke.
  4. Managing Blood Pressure: Keeping blood pressure within normal ranges.
  5. Controlling Cholesterol: Keeping cholesterol levels in check.
  6. Managing Diabetes: Keeping blood sugar levels controlled.
  7. Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Avoiding obesity.
  8. Limiting Alcohol: Drinking in moderation.
  9. Managing Stress: Using techniques like mindfulness and relaxation.
  10. Regular Medical Check-ups: Monitoring and managing health conditions.

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else experiences symptoms of a posterior circulation infarction, such as sudden dizziness, severe headache, vision changes, or difficulty speaking or walking. Early treatment can save lives and reduce long-term complications.

Conclusion

Posterior circulation infarction is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Understanding the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help in managing the condition effectively. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being aware of the symptoms, you can take steps to prevent strokes and seek timely treatment when necessary.

 

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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References