Updates about Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency in Dizziness

Volume 2 - Issue 1

Lilian Felipe^*

Received:April 03, 2019;   Published: April 10, 2019

DOI: 10.32474/SJO.2019.01.000126

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Abstract

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) is a result of transitory ischemia of the vertebrobasilar arterial system (VBS) that can produce a variety of symptoms that are on their own are ambiguous. Symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, headaches, visual changes, diplopia, ataxia, weakness in limbs, pain and stiffness of the neck. Vestibular and visual symptoms can arise suddenly and dissipate rapidly as well, all while preceding more serious symptoms like stroke and death. There are a variety of tests that audiologists and physical therapists can perform as screeners for this impairment, but imaging is an essential component of the diagnosis. Neuroimaging with angiography, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and transracial Doppler tests are commonly used. Diagnosis and treating VBI requires a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach. VBI has been documented to be exaggerated and over diagnosed in part due to the vague and transient nature of the symptomology. This paper will further outline the anatomy of the VBS, symptoms of VBI, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Balance; Dizziness; Vertebrobasilar Arterial System; Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

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