Vertebrobasilar ischemia, also known as “beauty salon syndrome,” is a condition that cuts off blood supply to the back of the brain, potentially causing negative effects on automatic brain functions. It can lead to strokes and other complications, and is caused by arterial ruptures that can be triggered by certain postures. Treatments include lifestyle changes, drug therapy, and chiropractic or osteopathic care.
Vertebrobasilar ischemia, also known as vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) and commonly called “beauty salon syndrome” (BPS), describes a series of conditions that cut off the blood supply to the back of the brain. These conditions can have a negative effect on automatic brain functions such as breathing. The causes of vertebrobasilar ischemia are sometimes the result of certain diseases, or of a stroke or other trauma that produces tears in the arterial wall. While there are many symptoms associated with vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders, finding the underlying cause of the condition may not always be possible. Treatments include lifestyle changes, drug therapy, and chiropractic or osteopathic care.
The primary concern of vertebrobasilar ischemia is the risk of stroke and its complications. These can include blood clots in the legs, motor and sensory dysfunction, heart attack, lung infections and respiratory failure. VBI can also lead to vision loss in one eye. A neurologist first described VBI after studying the cases of five women who had a stroke while washing their hair. Strokes have been triggered by arterial lacerations caused by women’s necks being twisted and overextended when using hairdressing sinks. Tears in the carotid or vertebral arteries resulted in blood clots that eventually resulted in strokes.
People most vulnerable to arterial ruptures are at greatest risk for vertebrobasilar ischemia. Smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and advanced age are all criteria that can lead to VBI. Some of the more common symptoms of vertebrobasilar ischemia include an unsteady gait, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, nausea and vomiting, neck pain, and slurred speech. Other indicators include headaches, muscle weakness, vision loss or double vision, and bladder or bowel control problems. Diagnostic tools used to identify the underlying cause of VBI include computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, electrocardiograms, and ultrasound or X-ray studies of the arteries of the brain.
If VBI symptoms are the result of postural factors, patients are provided with counseling about improving posture and getting up safely from a sitting or prone position. The patient may also be given an exercise regimen to improve circulation and flexibility. Smoking cessation and counseling to avoid dehydration are also important lifestyle issues. Osteopathic or chiropractic treatment may also be helpful in addressing postural issues that can contribute to reduced blood supply to the brain. Treatment of underlying diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, is also addressed with prescription medications and lifestyle changes.
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