What is a common occurrence following a vertebrobasilar stroke?

Following a vertebrobasilar stroke, it is common for individuals to experience locked-in syndrome. This condition occurs due to a specific type of damage to the brainstem, which affects the pathways that control voluntary movement while sparing cognitive function. Patients with locked-in syndrome are fully conscious and aware but lose the ability to move or speak, often retaining only eye movement, which can be a profound and challenging condition.

In the case of a vertebrobasilar stroke, damage to the pons or medulla—areas critical for motor function—can lead to this locked-in state. Other neurological deficits may occur depending on the specific areas affected, but the hallmark of locked-in syndrome is the disconnection between cognitive awareness and the ability to communicate or control movement.

Although nystagmus, homonymous hemianopsia, and ataxic gait are potential manifestations of various strokes, they do not specifically relate to the unique nature of locked-in syndrome associated with vertebrobasilar strokes. Nystagmus refers to involuntary eye movements often due to vestibular dysfunction, homonymous hemianopsia involves visual field loss and can occur due to posterior cerebral artery involvement, and ataxic gait refers to a lack of coordination which can stem from cere