Expectations (prognosis)
The outlook depends in part on the underlying cause. Strokes of the brainstem region are potentially life-threatening, and require urgent medical care. The most important factors in determining the outlook for recovery are age, and associated medical problems.
When patients are young and have no significant medical problems, a substantial recovery can be expected.
Recovery also depends on the area of the brain that has been affected. The prognosis is very poor when the patient is in a coma or cannot move both arms and legs.
Complications
Complications of vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders are stroke and its complications. The complications of stroke include:
- Respiratory (breathing) failure (which may require use of a machine to help the patient breathe)
- Lung problems (especially lung infections)
- Heart attack
- Dehydration and swallowing problems (sometimes leading to the placement of tubes in the stomach for artificial feeding)
- Problems with movement or sensation, including paralysis and numbness
- Formation of clots in the legs
Patients may have visual loss in one eye.
Complications caused by medications or surgery may also occur.
Calling your health care provider
Call 911 or your local emergency number, or get to the emergency room if you have any symptoms that may suggest a vertebrobasilar circulatory disorder. Remember the motto of the stroke doctor -- "Time is brain."
Prevention
General prevention of strokes caused commonly by atherosclerosis includes cessation of smoking, regular exercise, blood pressure control, healthy diet, and management of diabetes. Prevention of dissection includes avoidance of neck manipulation, and prevention of trauma to the neck.
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