Precordialgia as a manifestation of vertebrobasilar insufficiency

In 6 patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI), precordialgia and autonomic-nervous-system manifestation such as diaphoresis and tachycardia were associated with the symptoms of VBI. Investigation ruled out cardiac and gastrointestinal causes. Possible mechanisms are discussed on the basis of intermitent ischemia of the central autonomic centers supplied by the posterior circulation.