Posterior circulation infarct explained

Posterior circulation infarct
Field:	Neurology

Posterior circulation infarct (POCI) is a type of cerebral infarction affecting the posterior circulation supplying one side of the brain.

Posterior circulation stroke syndrome (POCS) refers to the symptoms of a patient who clinically appears to have had a posterior circulation infarct, but who has not yet had any diagnostic imaging (e.g. CT Scan) to confirm the diagnosis.

It can cause the following symptoms:

• Cranial nerve palsy AND contralateral motor/sensory defect
• Bilateral motor or sensory defect
• Eye movement problems (e.g.nystagmus)
• Cerebellar dysfunction
• Isolated homonymous hemianopia
• Vertigo

It has also been associated with deafness.^[1]

See also

• Stroke
• Artery of Percheron

Notes and References

1. Lee H . Sudden deafness related to posterior circulation infarction in the territory of the nonanterior inferior cerebellar artery: frequency, origin, and vascular topographical pattern . Eur. Neurol. . 59 . 6 . 302–6 . 2008 . 18408371 . 10.1159/000121421 .