Basilar artery sclerosis

Arteriosclerosis itself is a systemic disease that occurs more frequently in elderly individuals. It represents a clear manifestation of arterial aging. As arteriosclerosis progresses, arterial stenosis—or even complete arterial occlusion—may develop. Whether it manifests as arterial stenosis or tumor-like arterial dilation, the eventual outcomes tend to be serious. So, what about basilar artery arteriosclerosis?

Basilar Artery Arteriosclerosis

Basilar artery arteriosclerosis may cause symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and loss of appetite, thereby impairing daily life and work performance. Chronic cerebral dysfunction resulting from long-standing arteriosclerosis can adversely affect cognitive function—including memory loss, slowed reaction time, impaired thinking, and even personality changes. In severe cases of basilar artery arteriosclerosis, posterior circulation ischemia may occur, leading patients to experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, gait instability, and difficulty walking. Without timely treatment, cerebral infarction may ensue. If cerebral arteriosclerosis is diagnosed, active primary prevention—and even secondary prevention—should be initiated, including oral antiplatelet aggregation agents and anti-arteriosclerotic medications.

Symptoms of cerebral arteriosclerosis refer to the neurasthenic syndrome caused by chronic cerebrovascular disorders following cerebral arteriosclerosis—such as cerebral infarction, softening, necrosis, or atrophy; arteriosclerotic dementia; or pseudobulbar affect. Cerebral arteriosclerosis can lead to various diseases or symptoms, among which transient ischemic attack (TIA) is common. TIA and stroke are both acute disturbances of cerebral circulation: stroke patients may present with hemiplegia or motor/sensory deficits on one side of the body, or with shallow nasolabial folds. Additionally, chronic cerebral ischemia may produce symptoms including dizziness, headache, fatigue, memory impairment, and motor aphasia.

Patients should first undergo evaluation to determine whether their condition stems from a hemorrhagic or thrombotic disorder, followed by appropriate targeted therapy. We hope this information proves helpful.