Jeanette Mitchell
The vertebral artery: A review of anatomical, histopathological and functional factors influencing blood flow to the hindbrain
Mitchell, Jeanette
Authors
Abstract
An uncompromised blood flow to the brain is essential for normal neurological function. If the blood supply to the hindbrain, via the paired vertebral arteries, is reduced sufficiently, signs and symptoms of vertebrobasilar ischaemia may result. There are several factors that may cause a reduction in vertebral artery blood flow. These include exostoses, such as the retroarticular canal and lateral bridge of the atlas vertebra that may cause compression of the related part of the vertebral artery; or atherosclerosis of the artery wall occluding the vessel lumen. Functional factors, such as sustained end-of-range rotation of the cervical spine, may cause distortion of the vertebral artery in the suboccipital region, which may be reflected as decreased blood flow in the suboccipital and intracranial parts of the artery. A combination of such factors is likely to cause reduced blood flow to the hindbrain. It is the purpose of this review to highlight some of the factors that may compromise vertebral artery blood flow and, therefore, to provide some evidence on which to base our professional practice.
Citation
Mitchell, J. (2005). The vertebral artery: A review of anatomical, histopathological and functional factors influencing blood flow to the hindbrain. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 21(1), 23-36. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593980590911570
Journal Article Type | Review |
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Publication Date | Jan 1, 2005 |
Journal | Physiotherapy Theory and Practice |
Print ISSN | 0959-3985 |
Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
Peer Reviewed | Not Peer Reviewed |
Volume | 21 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 23-36 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1080/09593980590911570 |
Keywords | vertebral artery, anatomical, histopathological, blood flow, hindbrain |
Public URL | https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1051593 |
Publisher URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09593980590911570 |