In a basilar artery stroke, what is a common functional deficit?

In a basilar artery stroke, the blood supply to important brain regions is compromised, particularly those responsible for various motor and sensory functions. One of the primary functional deficits associated with a basilar artery stroke is cerebellar dysfunction. The cerebellum is crucial for coordination, balance, and fine motor skills. When the basilar artery is occluded, it can lead to symptoms such as ataxia, coordination difficulties, and problems with balance, which are indicative of cerebellar impairment.

This type of stroke can affect the brainstem, which contains many pathways that are important for relaying signals between different parts of the nervous system. The involvement of the cerebellum leads to more prominent coordination issues rather than isolated sensory or motor deficits typically seen in strokes affecting other areas.

Dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties, may occur due to brainstem involvement but is not as characteristic as the cerebellar dysfunction associated with these strokes. Likewise, while contralateral sensory loss can occur with lesions in specific pathways, it is not the hallmark deficit seen with basilar artery strokes. Loss of consciousness is also not specific; it can occur in severe strokes in various locations and is not limited to those affecting the basilar artery. Thus, cere