Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
12:03
Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs
Published on: April 25, 2014
Poor outcome after lateral medullary infarcts
Neurology
|November 1, 1986
Summary
Recurrent brainstem ischemia, including lateral medullary infarcts and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occurred in two patients with bilateral vertebral artery disease. This severe vertebrobasilar stenosis and occlusion led to significant neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Lateral medullary infarcts can be associated with vertebrobasilar system disease.
- Recurrent ischemic events in the brainstem pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with lateral medullary infarcts followed by recurrent brainstem ischemia.
- One patient experienced transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) sensitive to posture, while the other developed TIAs progressing to quadriparesis.
Findings:
- Both patients exhibited bilateral vertebral artery disease: unilateral intracranial vertebral artery occlusion and contralateral severe stenosis.
- This severe bilateral vertebral artery disease is a significant risk factor for recurrent ischemic events in the brainstem.
Implications:
- Understanding the mechanisms of clot propagation or embolization from occluded vertebral arteries is crucial.
- Reduced blood flow due to contralateral vertebral artery stenosis can precipitate further ischemic events.
- Aggressive management of bilateral vertebral artery disease is warranted to prevent severe neurological deficits.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:15Ischemic 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...
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...