Stroke - Posterior cerebral artery

A stroke affects the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain (arteries), causing the death of the affected brain tissue. When there is an obstruction caused by a thrombus or clot it is called an ischemic stroke, whereas a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel and bleeding. It is strongly associated with age and deterioration of the arteries. Hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, alcohol consumption and drug use, etc. are all contributing factors. If the posterior cerebral artery is affected, headache, double vision, loss of vision of the right or left half of the visual field (hemianopia), sensory disturbance, speech disorders, unstable gait, nausea, vertigo, etc. should be expected. Diagnosis is clinical but must be confirmed with CT scan. In the case of ischemia, treatment within three hours of symptom onset prevents sequelae, which is why it is considered to be a medical emergency.