What area of the brain is involved in occlusion of the top of the basilar artery (BA)?

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Last updated: February 11, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

The area of the brain involved in occlusion of the top of the basilar artery (BA) is the brainstem and cerebellum, as well as parts of the temporal and occipital lobes.

Key Points

  • The basilar artery supplies blood to the brainstem, cerebellum, and parts of the temporal and occipital lobes [@\1@].
  • Occlusion of the top of the basilar artery can lead to ischemia in these areas, resulting in a range of symptoms including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of coordination.
  • The pathophysiology of basilar artery occlusion is similar to that of other proximal cerebral blood vessels, such as the internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery [@\1@].
  • The timing of treatment is critical in patients with basilar artery occlusion, with the best outcomes achieved when treatment is initiated within 6 hours of symptom onset [@\1@].
  • The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines recommend that patients with symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis be treated with antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulation to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke [@\2@].

From the Research

Brain Areas Involved in Occlusion of the Top of the Basilar Artery

The occlusion of the top of the basilar artery (BA) can lead to a range of clinical presentations, depending on the specific brain areas affected. According to the studies, the following brain areas may be involved:

  • Temporal and occipital lobes 1
  • Thalamus 1, 2, 3
  • Midbrain 1, 2
  • Pons 1, 2, 4
  • Cerebellum 1, 2, 3
  • Occipital lobe 2, 3

Clinical Presentation

The clinical presentation of the "top of the basilar" syndrome can vary, but may include:

  • Motor deficits 5
  • Visual disturbances 1, 3
  • Cognitive impairments 1, 3
  • Cranial nerve palsies 1

Prognostic Factors

The prognosis for patients with occlusion of the top of the basilar artery can be influenced by several factors, including:

  • Location of the occlusion 5, 4
  • Presence of posterior communicating artery (PcoA) 5
  • Extent of infarction in the brain stem and occipital lobes 2
  • Successful reperfusion 2

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.