A rare case presentation of top of basilar artery syndrome

Abstract

Top of basilar syndrome occurs due to the thrombotic occlusion of basilar artery. It is very rare in occurrence and constitutes about 1% of all strokes. Clinical manifestations commonly may have the hallmarks of basilar artery occlusion that include dysarthria, visual, oculomotor and behavioural abnormalities with or without significant motor dysfunction and non-specific symptoms like vertigo and headache. Here we report a case of 60year old male who presented with decreased responsiveness and slurring of speech since 2 days and history of vomiting since one day. Neurological examination revealed normal higher mental functions with MMSE score of 28/30, horizontal nystagmus was present, other cranial nerve examination was normal, tone was increased in all the four limbs, Power was 4/5 in all the 4 limbs and Plantar was mute bilaterally. Patient condition deteriorated later and on further evaluation patient was found to have Basilar Artery Occlusion.