This can happen if the vessel becomes blocked (an ischemic stroke) or ruptured (hemorrhagic stroke).
The basilar artery is located at the base of the brain, where the two vertebralarteriescome together.
Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for strokes in the basilar artery.
Andrew Burton / Getty Images
A basilar artery stroke can impact the brainstem, which can bedevastatingand lead to long-term disabilities or even death.
Basilar Artery Stroke Symptoms
Strokes occur when blood vessels to the brain are blocked or damaged.
Causes
There are a number of conditions that can increase your risk of having a stroke.
This makes for significantly varying symptomswhy this throw in of stroke is difficult to diagnose.
Basilar artery strokes are treated like other types of ischemic stroke.
The goal is to wipe the blockage in the artery.
Treatment may include administration of intravenous (IV)tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).
Taking steps to adjust lifestyle choices can help you control your risk.
They may also recommend drugs to lower your blood pressure orstatinsto keep your cholesterol under control.
If this vessel is compromised in some way, a stroke can occur.
A stroke in the basilar artery can be very serious and cause long-term complications.
A Word From Verywell
A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate care.
Understanding the symptoms can help you or a loved one minimize the long-term effects of stroke.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stroke facts.
Reviewed May 21, 2021.
American Stroke Association.About stroke.
Demel SL, Broderick JP.Basilar occlusion syndromes: an update.Neurohospitalist.
2015;5(3):142150. doi:10.1177/1941874415583847
Demel SL, Broderick JP.Basilar occlusion syndromes: an update.The Neurohospitalist.
2015;5(3):142-150. doi:10.1177/1941874415583847
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Stroke.
American Stroke Association.Learn more stroke warning signs and symptoms.
Reviewed June 10, 2021.
Go S.Posterior circulation ischemic stroke.Mo Med.
2015;112(3):192-196.
2024 Dec;55(12):e439.
doi: 10.1161/STR.0000000000000482].Stroke.
2024;55(12):e344-e424.
doi:10.1161/STR.0000000000000475
American Heart Association.How high blood pressure can lead to stroke.
Reviewed October 31, 2016.
Knap D, Kirmes T.Treatment of basilar artery occlusion using various techniques of interventional radiology.J Vasc Med Surg.
2016;04(01).
2019;9(2):90-97. doi:10.1159/000502084
American Stroke Association.Ischemic stroke treatment.
Reviewed December 5, 2018.
