Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) is a set of symptoms due to decreased blood flow in the circulation of the brain. Learn more about vertebrobasilar insufficiency Symptoms & Diagnosis.
What is vertebrobasilar insufficiency?
VBI is a condition where blood flow to the vertebral and basilar arteries is restricted. Therefore, providing momentary insufficient blood flow to the rear portions of the brain. Known as ‘beauty salon’ or ‘Golden Gate Bridge’ syndrome, due to the effect of tilting the head back causing vertigo or ‘drop attacks’.
What are the signs and symptoms of Vertebrobasilar insufficiency?
The main symptoms include vertigo, the loss of full control of bodily movements, dizziness, temporary loss of consciousness, ‘drop attacks’, visual disturbances and furthermore motor and sensory changes.
Who gets VBI?
Risk factors for the development of VBI include:
- smoking
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- diabetes
- obesity
- being over the age of 50
- family history of the disease
- elevated lipids, or fats, in the blood (known as hyperlipidemia)
People who have atherosclerosis or peripheral artery disease also have an increased risk of developing VBI.
How is VBI diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and run a series of tests to determine if you have VBI.
A history of current health conditions will be taken. Tests include for example, CT or MRI scans, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), blood tests to evaluate clotting ability, echocardiogram, and X-rays of the arteries, called an angiogram.
In rare cases, your doctor may also order a spinal tap, or lumbar puncture.
How is it treated?
Medication and lifestyle changes – Patients should quit smoking immediately, attempt to lower cholesterol levels through diet, and also exercise regularly. Physicians may also prescribe medication to control high blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce blood coagulation.
Open Surgical Repair – Surgical procedures are used to restore flow to the brain, for instance bypass grafting, direct arterial or endarterectomy. This is through the vertebral and basilar arteries.
Endovascular repair – expanding the artery wall via endovascular.
Can massage help?
Manual therapy treatments can create a change in blood flow. However, little research has been done to show its effectiveness.
Manual therapists need to be made aware of the condition. Precautions are required in positioning and treating the client. If there has been a diagnosis of blood clots, massage is contraindicated.
Are there any complications?
The outlook for VBI depends on your current symptoms, health conditions, and age. Younger patients who experience mild symptoms can control them through lifestyle changes and medication, tend to have good outcomes. However, advanced age, frailty, and strokes can negatively affect your outlook.
How can I avoid getting vertebrobasilar insufficiency?
Development of VBI can’t necessarily be prevented. This can be the case for those who are ageing or had a stroke. However, there are steps that reduce the development of atherosclerosis and VBI. These include:
- quitting smoking
- controlling blood pressure
- controlling blood sugar
- eating a healthy diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables and whole foods
- and being physically active
Sources:
http://www.nebraskamed.com/neuro/surgery/vertebral-basilar-insufficiency
http://www.healthline.com/health/vertebrobasilar-insuficiency#Symptoms4
https://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/vascular/diseases/vertebrobasilar.html
