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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
06:01
A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Vertebrobasilar distribution stroke mimicking transtentorial herniation
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA. clipinsk@med.wayne.edu
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|May 15, 1998
Summary
Vertebrobasilar strokes can present with diverse symptoms, complicating diagnosis. This case highlights unusual physical findings mimicking transtentorial herniation in a patient with multiple brain infarctions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Strokes affecting the vertebrobasilar artery system pose diagnostic challenges due to varied clinical presentations.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of vertebrobasilar strokes.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old woman presented with neurological deficits.
- Her symptoms mimicked transtentorial herniation, a critical neurological emergency.
Findings:
- Neuroimaging revealed infarction in the left midbrain, right pons, and bilateral thalami.
- The pattern of infarction was within the vertebrobasilar arterial territory.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering vertebrobasilar stroke in patients with atypical neurological signs.
- Recognizing subtle or complex presentations is key to timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
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