[The clinical characteristics of patients with posterior circulation ischemic stroke].

Objective: To describe the clinical features of patients with posterior circulation ischemic stroke.

Methods: 216 patients with posterior circulation ischemic stroke admitted in our department during 2004-2006 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were undertaken MRI on admission and responsible lesions were identified at the posterior circulation territories. The patients' clinical symptoms and signs were evaluated and the relationships between lesion locations and clinical characteristics were analyzed.

Results: The common symptoms of posterior circulation ischemic stroke were unilateral limb weakness (81.9%), speech difficulty (46.3%), dizziness (33.8%), and unilateral limb numbness (31.0%). The common signs of posterior circulation ischemic stroke were unilateral limb weakness (81.9%), central facial or lingual palsy (61.1%), dysarthria (46.3%), unilateral limb sensory loss (31.0%), and ataxia (30.1%). The incidence of crossed paralysis was low (2.8%). Isolated vertigo was rare (1.4%). Predominant clinical features such as bulbar paralysis, unconsciousness, visual disorder and amnesia can help to localize the lesions. Typical brainstem syndromes had topographic meanings.

Conclusions: The clinical features of patients with posterior circulation ischemic stroke were complex. Predominant symptoms can help to diagnose the posterior circulation ischemic stroke.