Ataxia is a neurological disorder that affects coordination, balance, and speech. It is caused by damage to the cerebellum, which is a part of the brain that is responsible for controlling movement.
Vertebral Artery and Ataxia
The vertebral artery is a major artery that supplies blood to the cerebellum. Damage to this artery can lead to ataxia. This is known as vertebral artery insufficiency and is caused by an obstruction of the vertebral artery, which can be caused by a narrowing of the vessel, a blood clot, or a tumor. If the blood supply to the cerebellum is interrupted, it can cause ataxia.
Diagnosis of Vertebral Artery Insufficiency
Diagnosis of vertebral artery insufficiency is done through a physical exam which looks for signs of ataxia and a CT scan which checks the size of the vertebral arteries. If the vertebral arteries are narrowed, it can be a sign of vertebral artery insufficiency. An MRI can also be used to check for blood clots or tumors that may be blocking the artery.
Treatment of Vertebral Artery Insufficiency
Treatment for vertebral artery insufficiency depends on the cause of the obstruction. If the obstruction is caused by a narrowing of the vessel, it can be treated with medications that improve blood flow to the cerebellum. If the obstruction is caused by a blood clot, it can be treated with anticoagulants to dissolve the clot. If the obstruction is caused by a tumor, it can be treated with surgery to remove the tumor.