Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

The vertebral artery: A review of anatomical, histopathological and functional factors influencing blood flow to the hindbrain

Mitchell, Jeanette

Authors

Jeanette Mitchell



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
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Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed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


Downloadable Citations