cataracts, hearing loss and strokes

    
      Re: cataracts, hearing loss and strokes
    


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Posted by CCF Neurology M.D. on February 05, 1998 at 10:06:44:

In Reply to: cataracts, hearing loss and strokes posted by Bob Hayes on February 05, 1998 at 02:51:34:

:
  Sir:

       In 1995 I had a stroke affecting my left side which resolved itself within two hours. An arteriogram found an approximately 30% blockage at  the head of the basilar artery, and that one vertebral was completly blocked. Since then I've lost the hearing in my left ear and today I   found out that I had a cataract in my left eye.

       My question is: is the hearing loss in the left ear and the cataract in the left eye coincendental to the stroke or is there any relationship?

  Thank you for your time.
Dear Bob,
There are two big pathways for blood circulation in the head, the anterior and the posterior circulation.  The basilar and vertebral arteries are both part of the "posterior" circulation. A 30% blockage is not very significanat and usually does not produce any neurological symptoms. On the other hand, the vertebral artery occlusion that you describe had the potential of leading to a more serious injury. However, you only had a brief episode of symptoms (weakness) that resolved indicating that the vertebral artery on the right side (you have two) was the "dominant" artery or that the blockage occured very slowly in the left artery. In both cases, the right artery "takes over" to supply blood to the brain leading to little if any permanent neurological damage. The "posterior" circulation does supply the ear and could represent a tiny "stroke" to certain structures in the ear but more likely is a result of some other process. The eye is supplied by the "anterior" circulation. A "stroke" does not produce cataracts. However, a big risk factor for stroke and a frequent cause of cataracts is diabetes.  If you have further questions or are interested in a neurolgical evaluation, we have several neurologist (Dr.Hinchey, Dr. Sila, Dr. Furlan) at the Clevelan Clinic who specialize in the management and prevention of "strokes". To schedule an appointment, you can call 1-800-CCF-CARE and ask the operator to connect you with a neurological appointment secretary.