Basilar Artery Stenosis: Symptoms, Risks, & Treatments

The basilar artery is one of the most critical blood vessels in your brain, and when it becomes narrowed, a condition called basilar artery stenosis, it can put you at serious risk for a devastating stroke. In fact, intracranial atherosclerotic disease, which includes basilar artery stenosis, is responsible for nearly 10% of all ischemic strokes in the United States and is a leading cause of stroke worldwide.

Continue reading to learn what warning signs to watch for, why early treatment can be life-saving, and where to find the best endovascular specialists in Las Vegas for modern treatments.

Understanding Basilar Artery Anatomy and How Basilar Artery Stenosis Happens

The basilar artery is one of the most important blood vessels in the body. It runs along the base of the brain and delivers blood to the brainstem, cerebellum, and other regions that control breathing, balance, vision, and consciousness. Basilar artery stenosis happens when the walls of this artery become thickened and narrowed, usually from a buildup of fatty plaque over time. As the artery narrows, less blood gets through. That reduced blood flow puts the brainstem under stress and raises the risk of a stroke.

What Are the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Basilar Artery Stenosis?

The symptoms of basilar artery stenosis can feel easy to brush off, but should always be evaluated by a medical provider. Some of the most common symptoms you might notice include: 

• A sudden spinning sensation
• Blurred or double vision
• Slurred speech
• Trouble swallowing
• Weakness in your arms or legs

Some people describe a feeling of being on a boat even when standing still on solid ground. These symptoms often appear as what doctors call a TIA, or transient ischemic attack, also sometimes referred to as a mini stroke. A TIA produces stroke-like symptoms that resolve on their own, usually within minutes to hours. Many people feel fine afterward and assume the episode was nothing serious. That assumption can be dangerous. Research shows that the risk of a full stroke is highest in the days immediately following a TIA, which is why any episode like this should be treated as a medical emergency. 

What Causes Basilar Artery Stenosis and Who Is Most at Risk?

Basilar artery stenosis is most often caused by atherosclerosis, the same process responsible for heart disease and peripheral artery disease. With atherosclerosis, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances deposit along the inner walls of the artery and form plaques. Those plaques harden the artery, narrow its opening, and make it harder for blood to flow through. Several factors can speed up this process, including: 

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Aging

This condition is more common in people over 60, and some research has found that it occurs at higher rates in people of African American and Asian descent compared to white populations. If you have multiple risk factors, that does not mean a stroke is inevitable; it means that talking to a specialist and lowering your risk factors sooner rather than later is worth your time.

How Is Basilar Artery Stenosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing basilar artery stenosis starts with a thorough evaluation of your current and past medical history, including any symptoms you may be experiencing, how long they lasted, and how often they have occurred. From there, imaging is used to get a clear picture of what is happening inside the artery:

• An MRI can detect signs of reduced blood flow or small strokes in the brain. 
• An MRA, or magnetic resonance angiography, maps the arteries themselves and can show where narrowing has occurred. 
• A CT angiogram offers a detailed, three-dimensional look at the blood vessels and is often used when faster results are needed. 

In some cases, a cerebral angiogram is performed, which involves threading a small catheter through a blood vessel to inject dye and capture high-resolution images of the arteries in real time. This is considered the most accurate method for evaluating the degree of stenosis. Getting the right diagnosis early gives you the opportunity to seek the best basilar artery stenosis treatment in Las Vegas and have the most effective results.

What Are the Treatment Options for Basilar Artery Stenosis?

Treatment for basilar artery stenosis depends on how severe the narrowing is. For many patients, the first line of treatment is aggressive medical management. This typically includes: 

• Blood-thinning medications to reduce clot risk
• Statins to lower cholesterol and stabilize plaque
• Medications to control blood pressure
• Lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and quitting smoking, to help lower your risk factors

When the stenosis is severe or symptoms continue despite medication, a minimally invasive procedure may be recommended. Angioplasty involves inserting a small balloon into the narrowed artery and inflating it to widen the opening. In some cases, a stent, a small mesh tube, is placed inside the artery to keep it open. These endovascular procedures are performed through a small incision, typically in the wrist or groin, without the need for open brain surgery. 

Where to Find the Best Basilar Artery Stenosis Treatment in Las Vegas

The brainstem controls too many vital functions for reduced blood flow to go unchecked for long. Seeing a specialist, specifically an endovascular surgeon or a cerebrovascular neurologist, gives you access to the most current diagnostic tools and treatment options. 

At Vascular and Neurosurgical Institute in Las Vegas, we treat basilar artery stenosis as the serious, complex condition it is. Our team combines advanced endovascular techniques with a detailed review of your imaging, symptoms, and personal risk factors to build a treatment plan that fits your life. 

We know that a diagnosis like this can feel overwhelming, and we believe that clear information and direct communication are just as important as the procedures we perform.

Ready to get the most state-of-the-art care with the best endovascular specialists in Las Vegas?