The vertebral arteries supply blood to the brain and can cause aneurysm or stroke if damaged. A vertebral artery test is recommended before neck work on elderly or trauma patients. Symptoms of pinched or closed arteries include chronic dizziness and numbness. Preventative measures include surgery, dietary changes, and medications.
The vertebral arteries are the major arteries in the neck that help supply blood to significant portions of the brain. These arteries branch off from the subclavian arteries, which are found in the chest and receive blood directly from the heart’s aorta. There is one vertebral artery on each side of the body until they meet inside the skull, at which point they form the basilar artery and carry blood directly to the brain. This supplies most of the brain with oxygenated blood.
Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a known disorder that can occur in the vertebral arteries and lead to aneurysm or stroke if not discovered early. VAD is a more important cause of stroke in children and adults younger than 45 years of age than in the elderly. The risk of VAD can also be increased by smoking, high blood pressure or the use of some oral contraceptives. Strokes resulting from this condition can cause paralysis, loss of motor functions, and other problems. Recovery from these side effects can take months or even years depending on the severity.
Before performing neck work on clients who are elderly or have suffered a serious accident or trauma, a massage therapist or physical therapist may perform a vertebral artery test. The reason this test is conducted is to determine if these arteries are blocked or occluded. If it is determined that the vertebral arteries are damaged, the therapist may refer the patient to a doctor before working with him.
Because the vertebral arteries are part of the system that supplies the brain with 20% of its blood, they can cause chronic dizziness or numbness in the neck or arm if they are pinched or closed. These symptoms can occur after an accident or neck trauma if plaque buildup is present in the vertebral arteries, but they can also appear for no apparent reason. When suffering from these symptoms, it is usually recommended that people visit a doctor, as prolonged injury without treatment can cause extensive damage.
Preventive medicine and procedures are usually best for avoiding serious conditions in the vertebral arteries. You may need surgery if fatty deposits or plaque block your arteries and restrict blood flow. Surgical procedures are extreme measures, but they can clean arteries of plaque and restore blood flow. Other preventative measures may include dietary changes and medications.
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