Treatment and prognosis in posterior circulation ischaemic stroke

Abstract

Acute ischemic stroke is caused by a blocked blood vessel in the cerebral circulation. It is the most common form of stroke worldwide and a major cause of disability and death. One in five ischaemic strokes affects the posterior circulation. This type of stroke is associated with high risk of recurrence, disability and mortality. Diagnosing posterior circulation stroke can be challenging, as it often presents with non-specific or fluctuating symptoms. Several aspects of posterior circulation stroke are poorly understood compared to anterior circulation stroke. Treatments to reopen the blocked blood vessel and reperfuse the brain are available but patients with posterior circulation stroke we..