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Near-Occlusion of Left Vertebral Artery & Looking For Advice
I'm 73, female, on Eliquis & had an unusual headache for 5 days, so my PCP recommended a brain CT scan with contrast to rule out a bleed & gratefully none was found, but a near-occlusion of my left vertebral artery was found. Radiology report indicated the cause as either plaque or dissection. ER doc thinks the headache was unrelated to that finding and I'm asymptomatic thus far. My PCP is mulling over whether or not I should take aspirin and wants me on a statin (even tho I'm intolerant/myalgia).
This is all brand new to me and I have no idea how serious this is...the ER doc said I could have a stroke in 5 years. What is the best treatment for this condition and have any of you successfully prevented the near-occlusion from worsening?
Thanks, in advance, for any guidance or opinions.
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I had bypass at 55. It’s been 8 years and just had a heart cath that showed no new blockages.
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1 ReactionFrom the web:
Near-occlusion of my left vertebral artery
The near-occlusion of the left vertebral artery can be a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is often caused by plaque buildup or dissection and can lead to transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes if left untreated. Symptoms may include vertigo, dizziness, and double vision, which are reasons to seek medical attention. Treatment options may include aspirin, statins, and possibly other medications to prevent further narrowing and improve blood flow. It is crucial to follow the advice of healthcare professionals and undergo regular monitoring to manage this condition effectively.
Mayo Clinic
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1 Reaction@rebaheizer
Did you have bypass surgery due to a totally occluded vertebral artery?
@lenmayo Thank you. I did Google the condition I have and found similar passages online. I'm just curious about personal experiences with this condition & how people fared. Did it always lead to a completely occluded artery? Do channels form to reroute the blood? If the right vertebral artery is clear and one remains asymtomatic, does that stabilize the condition & reduce the risk of a TIA or stroke?
Since I'm on the blood thinner, Eliquis, I cannot have aspirin, which would substantially increase my bleeding risk. Not sure what a low dose statin would do at this point...My doc is recommending Livalo and continuing with exercise daily and Med diet. Rechecking my BP to be sure I don't need meds to control it.
Am I in the right forum for this condition? My PCP is consulting with the Neurology docs & not Cardiologists...
@northrancher Possibly, probably. This is not a cardiac problem so much as a 'vascular' problem, and it happens to be located in the spine, hence your PCP going to a neurologist. You may also wish for a vascular surgeon to be involved....my opinion. Maybe not just yet, but the neurologist might wish to bring one on board to help him decide if this blockage can be bypassed at all.
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1 Reaction@gloaming Thank you! Your reply is very helpful. Good to know a vascular surgeon may need to be involved at some point...
My PCP told me that Neurology won't get involved unless I am symptomatic, as there is nothing they can do (stenting) at this stage. That the treatment for a near-occlusion (less than 70%) is all about blood thinner, statin, controlling blood pressure, diet, exercise.
Crossing my fingers it's all enough to prevent the near occlusion from becoming a full occlusion.