Revascularization of the rostral brain stem

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Vascular Neurology

Background:

• Rostral brain stem vascular insufficiency presents diagnostic challenges.
• Surgical revascularization is a potential treatment option for this condition.

Observation:

• This review covers clinical and angiographic diagnosis of rostral brain stem vascular insufficiency.
• Surgical options include anastomosing superficial temporal or occipital arteries to posterior cerebral or superior cerebellar arteries.

Findings:

• A novel technique for superficial temporal artery to posterior cerebral artery anastomosis in the tentorial incisura is detailed.
• Other rostral brain stem revascularization methods are also considered.

Implications:

• Indications for rostral brain stem revascularization require further definition.
• Clear clinical and angiographic evidence of upper brain stem ischemia are crucial for considering revascularization.