Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

3.5K

Increased risk of posterior circulation infarcts among ischemic stroke patients with cervical spondylosis

Chih-Chi Chen1, Chia-Ying Chung1, Tsong-Hai Lee2

  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment
|February 14, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Cervical spondylosis increases the risk of posterior circulation infarcts (POCI) in ischemic stroke patients. Hypertension is also a significant risk factor for POCI, highlighting the need for vigilance in at-risk individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Cervical spondylosis is a known cause of vertebral artery stenosis.
  • Cervical osteophytes can compress the vertebral artery, leading to posterior circulation infarcts (POCI).
  • Limited research exists on risk factors and stroke subtypes in ischemic stroke patients with cervical spondylosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze risk factors and stroke subtypes in ischemic stroke patients with and without cervical spondylosis.
  • To identify predictors of POCI by comparing patients with and without POCI.

Main Methods:

  • A case-controlled study comparing ischemic stroke patients with cervical spondylosis (Stroke+C group, n=38) and without (Stroke-C group, n=152).
  • Data collected included demographics, stroke risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, etc.), and stroke classification (Oxford Community Stroke Project).
  • Patients were categorized into POCI or non-POCI groups; vertebral artery ultrasound findings were recorded for the Stroke+C group.

Main Results:

  • The Stroke+C group had a higher incidence of POCI (34.2%) compared to the Stroke-C group (17.5%) (OR=2.41, P<0.05).
  • Hypertension (OR=3.41, P<0.01) and cervical spondylosis (OR=2.41, P<0.05) were identified as independent risk factors for POCI.
  • Vertebral artery stenosis was assessed in the Stroke+C group.

Conclusions:

  • Ischemic stroke patients with cervical spondylosis have a higher propensity for POCI.
  • Hypertension is a significant independent risk factor for POCI in ischemic stroke patients.
  • Clinical attention should be directed towards the potential for POCI in patients diagnosed with cervical spondylosis.
Abstract

Keywords:
cervical osteophytesrisk factorsvertebral artery stenosis

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
3
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
2
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
3
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
2
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins...
2
Arteries of the Head and Neck01:26

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
4.7K