Clinical and Radioimaging study in Posterior Circulation Stroke

Out of the presented study following conclusions were derived 1. Male sex was the predominant population affected by posterior circulation stroke. 2. Most commonly, people above 50 years were affected. 3. Uncontrolled hypertension, smoking and alcoholism were the major risk factors for posterior circulation stroke followed by diabetes mellitus. 4. Alcoholism was a major risk factor for cerebellar infarcts. 5. Low HDL was the commonest lipid abnormality among posterior circulation stroke patients. 6. Elderly females had a predilection to cerebellar hemorrhages for unknowm reasons. 7. Giddiness, vomiting and incoordination were the major presenting symptom of posterior circulation stroke. 8. Clinical features suggesting anterior circulation stroke can occur with posterior circulation stroke and careful visual field testing helps in clinical differentiation of both. 9. Aggressive search for treatable risk factors should be made in younger patients. CONCLUSION: All patients with brain ischemia whether anterior or posterior circulation need extensive evaluation of risk factors especially modifiable. With the advent of newer investigations like MRI with DIFFUSION WEIGHTED IMAGING, MRA, CT ANGIO,EXTRA CRANIAL AND INTRA CRANIAL ULTRASOUND, the stroke mechanism could be precisely diagnosed. Extensive cardiac work up and evaluation for hypercoagulable states proves to be useful in identifying correctable causes for stroke and hence secondary prevention.