Which clinical feature may indicate a vertebrobasilar stroke?

Dizziness or vertigo is a key clinical feature that may indicate a vertebrobasilar stroke. The vertebrobasilar system supplies blood to the posterior part of the brain, which includes structures that control balance and coordination. When a stroke occurs in this region, it can disrupt normal vestibular function, leading to symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo.

These symptoms are particularly significant in vertebrobasilar strokes because they can occur without the apparent hemiparesis often associated with strokes in the anterior circulation. Thus, when a patient presents with dizziness or vertigo, especially in combination with other neurological deficits, it can serve as a strong indicator for further evaluation of a possible vertebrobasilar event.

In contrast to dizziness, while severe headache, loss of consciousness, and facial numbness can occur in stroke cases, they are not specific indicators for vertebrobasilar strokes. For example, severe headaches may occur with a subarachnoid hemorrhage rather than a stroke, loss of consciousness can arise from various causes including systemic issues, and facial numbness is more commonly linked to anterior circulation strokes. Therefore, the presence of dizziness or vertigo is a distinctive symptom that warrants consideration of vertebrobasilar pathology.