I63.013

Clinical Causes: Formation of blood clots (thrombosis) within the vertebral arteries due to atherosclerosis Degenerative changes in the arteries that narrow the blood vessels Blood vessel injury or inflammation Cardiovascular conditions increasing clot risk, such as atrial fibrillation High blood pressure leading to artery damage Smoking, which damages blood vessels and promotes clot formation High cholesterol levels leading to plaque buildup Other factors like diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle

Key Symptoms: Sudden dizziness or vertigo Loss of balance or coordination Weakness or numbness in the limbs, especially on one side of the body Trouble speaking or understanding speech Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes Severe headache with no apparent cause Difficulty swallowing Drop in consciousness or alertness in severe cases

Diagnosis Path: Neurological examination to assess symptoms and deficits Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain to identify areas of infarction Computed Tomography (CT) scan, especially to rule out bleeding Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) or Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) to visualize blood vessels Additional blood tests to evaluate clotting factors and risk factors

Treatment Protocols: Administration of clot-busting medications such as thrombolytics, if within a suitable time window Use of antiplatelet agents like aspirin to prevent new clots Anticoagulants in certain cases to reduce clot formation Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels Surgical interventions or endovascular procedures to remove or bypass clots, if necessary Rehabilitation therapies including physical, occupational, and speech therapy to regain lost functions Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation, diet adjustments, and regular exercise, to reduce future risk