vertebral artery stenosis

[sk8flo]

I have arthritis in my cervical spine and am fused C3-6.  I recently started experiencing sudden profound weakness when I tilt my head backward and am slightly leaning forward.  Luckily, I have been able to sit right down.  There are no warning signs, it only lasts seconds, and no unusual symptoms afterward.  The 4th time in one week was witness by a physician, who saw my eyes glaze over, and he held me up till I cleared.  This time I had loss of memory for 5-10 seconds.  I am being referred to a neurologist for further testing (MRA?) as the MRI of my cervical spine is fine.  The possible cause is vertebral artery compression/stenosis from the neck extension.

Has anyone had something similar?  What tests were done?  Is it treatable?

[sk8flo]

Thank you for your reply!  I am scheduled for an MRA and an MRI of the brain to rule out possible small infarct as I had balance problems and stumbling for about a month prior to the drop attacks.

Based on my own reseach, I still feel this is due to a mechanical issue with the C1-2 OA or the bulging C6 disc area.

As long as I don't hyperextend/rotate my neck, I seem to be doing fine.

Thanks again for your reply.

[drrajgopal18]

Hi,
Symptoms of vertebrobasilar ischemia include headaches, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, unsteady gait, dysarthrias, diplopia, visual field defect, blurry vision, ptosis, drowsiness, syncope, altered consciousness, nystagmus, and dysphagia.
MRA is quite accurate in the detection of near or total occlusion of the extracranial neck vessels. On the other hand, slow blood flow in the small vessels on MRA can be confused with occlusion as a result of insufficient resolution. Although conventional angiography is a much more invasive modality, it is superior to MRA in the detection of nonoccluded intimal disruption, which occasionally causes distal embolization. However, because occlusion is the most common vertebral artery injury, the majority can be successfully detected by noninvasive MRA.  Surgery for vertebral artery stenosis is technically difficult, potentially hazardous, and is not considered in most centers. Therefore, vertebral artery stenosis has traditionally been treated conservatively with medical care alone. Vertebral artery stenosis may be treated endovascularly by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and/or stenting, potentially offering an alternative to surgery to relieve symptoms caused by significant stenosis. Please consult a neurosurgeon for the  management . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !

[sk8flo]

Bump - still looking for help.

[sk8flo]

Bump - still hoping for a response.

[sk8flo]

Bump - I find it hard to believe no one out there knows any thing about VBI....

[sk8flo]

Bump