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Stroke Community

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MedHelp Member's Question

vertebral artery

by bluebaby, Dec 29, 2006 12:00AM
Hello, I have just been told the results of my angiogram done on 10/31/06. I have no left veterbal artery flow. The left vertebral artery is not connected to the basaliar artery. does this pose future problems. This means I have only 3 arteries carrying oxygen to my brain. My Doctor says it cannot be repaired. Do you agree and what am I facing?

Thank you!!
Member Comments

by luckyfivetimes, Jan 31, 2007 12:00AM
To: bluebaby
I was diagnosed last year with a blocked right vertebral artery. There is nothing at this time to unblock it. The specialist I saw said it is too risky.I went to Mass General in Boston. New things are happenening every day with stents and balloon surgery but still risky and in experimental stages. I take aspirin therapy to keep my blood thin. The only thing you can do is eat right,watch your cholesterol and exercise according to what your dr. says is ok. Three open arteries are supplying enough blood and oxygen  to the brain so don't worry.
I appreciate your concern. I too am worried about a clot getting in the good vertebral artery,or stroke, but have to keep going and keep the faith. Take care. I will look for other posts from you. I check daily in the neurology forum and this forum too.

by jcip, Feb 06, 2008 09:39AM
To: bluebaby
My right vertebral artery was cut during a surgical procedure last year. I have written several times in the forum, but got no response to this topic. The only blood supply to the brain is through my left vertebral artery. Since I did not have a stroke the surgeon said that I would be "fine". I have alot of side effects, I guess I can call them that, but I have not been able to find a doctor to see me and give me any answers to what I am up against. I asked about the asprin daily and they told me that I didn't need it. It has been frustrating, but like luckyfivetimes has said, I just have to have faith that GOD spared me from having a stroke and just keeping living life to the fullest. I would like to find a Neuro doctor though.    

by kbuchanan, Feb 08, 2008 04:33PM
To: bluebaby
My right carotid is closed after having a dissection.  Unfortunately I did have a stroke.  My understanding from the docs, is that we get enough blood to the brain from other arteries.  My primary care doc did put me on Zocor (lowers cholesteral med) even though I did not have high cholesteral because I have to take care of my healthy arteries.  I'm only 35 and I hope to live a lot longer.  Sometimes eating right and exercising isn't enough.  Also, to jcip - there is nothng wrong with taking aspirin to protect you from clots.  I would talk to another doc about the life saving benefits of aspirin that is so easy to take.

by JLB212, Aug 17, 2008 09:37AM
To: jcip
TAKE THE ASPIRIN !!!  The research is overwhelming that it is of great benefit; recent research also shows that a baby aspirin will have the same benefit and less risk of getting the blood too thin. I'm new to this forum (any forum for that matter). I had a TIA while seeing my son in Sydney, Au; quite an ER adventure in the middle of vacation. CT was clear, carotid dopler was clear and will be getting results of mri-angiogram this next week. That will give me info on the vertabral arteries issue. I've never "done" a forum before but it already seems somewhat comforting to be able to talk to people that share the same issues. Thank you.
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