Subclavian steal syndrome causes symptoms such as fainting, arm numbness, and vision problems due to an abnormality in blood flow through one or both subclavian arteries. Diagnosis and treatment are recommended, as it can affect brain function. The syndrome is caused by stenosis or occlusion of the subclavian artery, which can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the brain. Symptoms can be similar to other vascular causes, and diagnosis may require Doppler ultrasonography or angiography. Treatment may involve stent or balloon angioplasty.
Symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome are varied and include persistent fainting, numbness in the arms, and vision problems. The syndrome is caused by an abnormality in blood flow through one or both subclavian arteries. Since they are major arteries branching from the aorta of the heart, supplying both arms and parts of the chest and head with oxygen and nutrients, an irregularity in the blood supply can manifest itself in any of these bodily destinations. Diagnosis and treatment is recommended, especially if it affects brain function.
Oxygenated blood is pumped out of the heart through the aorta. Among its first major arterial branches are the left and right subclavian arteries, so named because they lie just below the clavicle, or clavicle. For a variety of reasons, their blood flow can be restricted. Stenosis, or narrowing of a blood vessel, as well as an occlusion such as a blood clot, will impede flow. One of the branches of the subclavian artery is the vertebral artery which threads through the neck to the facial organs and brain. Particularly during arm exercise, there is a corresponding decrease in blood delivered to the vertebral artery and the subclavian artery is said to have “stolen” blood from the normal flow of the vertebral artery.
Sometimes abbreviated to “SSS,” subclavian steal syndrome is also called subclavian steal phenomenon or stenoocclusive disease of subclavian steal. pressure. Even worse, if the hemodynamics, or blood flow, requires a retrograde supply from both the vertebral and carotid arteries of the neck, the brain may become unconscious due to the pressure drop. Presyncope, the dizzy feeling that indicates fainting may be imminent, is a symptom of subclavian steal syndrome.
The most common symptom of subclavian steal syndrome is numbness in the arm, which can extend to the fingertips. It may also feel like one arm is stiffer or heavier than the other. Less common is eye dysfunction. The left and right vertebral arteries join in the skull to form the basilar artery which supplies blood to the brainstem. Additional arterial branches feed the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for automatic muscle coordination in response to gravity and space. Blood deficiency can cause sudden loss of vision and a loss of balance.
One difficulty with subclavian steal syndrome is that its various symptoms are shared by other vascular causes, including the possibility of an additional rib or, rarely, Takayasu’s arteritis, a scarring of the aorta of the heart that predominantly affects the young asian women. Diagnostically, Doppler ultrasonography can record the pressure wave in the subclavian arteries, but an angiographic map of the suspect blood vessel by injection of a radioscopic substance may be necessary. Treatment may require expansion of the subclavian artery with a structural stent or balloon angioplasty.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
