Vertebrobasilar Occlusive Disease: Review of Selected Aspects

Abstract

Knowledge of the vascular anatomy and supply zones of the thalamus helps interpret the findings in patients with thalamic infarcts. Occlusion of various thalamic arteries arising from the basilar apex, posterior cerebral arteries, and posterior communicating arteries gives rise to prototypic clinical findings and imaging abnormalities. Risk factor analysis, ultrasound, newer cardiac tests and magnetic resonance angiography now make it possible in the majority of patients, to define the most likely etiology of the thalamic infarcts noninvasively. Treatment depends on the nature, location and severity of the vascular lesion, and extent of brain infarction.