Current Views on the Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Vertebrobasilar Ischemia

Abstract

In norm, the vertebral arteries branch from the subclavian arteries, passing cranially through the rib and transverse foramen of the sixth to second cervical vertebrae. They enter the skull through the greater occipital foramen, joining at the pontine and medulla oblongata to form the basilar artery, which divides afterwards into the two posterior cerebral arteries at the top of the pontine. At the base of the brain, the carotid and basilar systems connect to form the circle of villisia.