clinical features
Last reviewed 07/2023
Clinically, basilar artery stroke features are divided into: Prodromal symptoms - stuttering brainstem stroke - including:
- transient diplopia
- visual field loss
- intermittent memory loss
- brain stem symptoms e.g. vertigo, ataxia, paresis, paraesthesia
Following occlusion there is:
- reduced level of conscious progressing to coma
- bilateral motor and sensory loss - often in all limbs
- cerebellar signs
- cranial nerve palsies - dependent upon the precise level of occlusion
Occlusion of the basilar artery at it's origin produces lateral midbrain, thalamic, occipital and medial temporal lobe infarction.