Question 1

recent ct w/contrast shows 50% blockage in left vertebral artery. recently had tia. i have stents in my heart and left leg & family history of serious?

Accepted Answer

See details: What is your question?  You have generalized arteriosclerotic disease. As you probably know, this requires close monitoring by a cardiologist and possibly a vascular surgeon and appropriate medical therapy to try to reduce the risk of progression of disease. There is not much else to add. Good luck.

Question 2

why is my right vertebral artery smaller than the left? could this cause problems?

Accepted Answer

No: It is not uncommon for the vertebral arteries to be different in diameter.  Nothing to be concerned about.

Question 3

what is the definition or description of: vertebral artery?

Accepted Answer

Artery to the brain: The vertebral arteries are blood vessel which deliver blood into the brain from the back of the neck.  They arise from the sublclavian arteries which come off the aorta.

Question 4

what is hypoplastic right vertebral artery?

Accepted Answer

Normal variant: Hypoplastic right vertebral artery implies that this artery is very small and its function is taken over by the left vertebral artery. This is a normal variant and does not cause any problems unless you develop significant blockage in the left vertebral artery such as happens with vertebral artery dissection.

Question 5

what is right vertebral artery is mildly hypoplastic?

Accepted Answer

Congenital: You were born with it that way and it doesn't matter, so forget about it. Your left vertebral artery, left carotid and right carotid are handling the supply for you.

Question 6

if my right vertebral artery is markedly hypoplastic, and the left one is dominant. if the left one becomes damaged im instantly doomed?

Accepted Answer

Brain blood supply: Not necessarily! Your brain also gets blood supply from the carotid arteries in the front of your neck. The part of your brain that gets blood from the vertebral arteries can get blood supply from the carotid arteries through the circle of Willis that connects the carotid arteries to the vertebral arteries.

Question 7

what's it like to have a stent in either carotid or vertebral artery?

Accepted Answer

Placed in both: I have experience in deploying stents in both carotid and vertebral arteries. Mostly these are treated with surgery but stenting is a viable option in select group of patients who are not candidates for surgery.

Question 8

what does congenital hypoplasia of the right vertebral artery mean?

Accepted Answer

Small..: It means that one was born with a small right vertebral artery.

Question 9

my consultant said my right vertebral artery is narrower than the left one. but it  is something  i have been born with  and  it is not a problem.

Accepted Answer

Agree with him: We are different in one way or another. The vertebral arteries help feed the brain. They don't have to be the same diameter.  As long as they are delivering enough blood to your brain.

Question 10

is it likely i have a vertebral artery tear from awkwardly reaching up to grab something while sitting? i could feel pressure on the side of my neck.

Accepted Answer

Vertebral artery tea: Very unlikely to never heard of this.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Vertebral artery blockage

A member asked:

Recent ct w/contrast shows 50% blockage in left vertebral artery. recently had tia. i have stents in my heart and left leg & family history of serious?

A member asked:

Why is my right vertebral artery smaller than the left? could this cause problems?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: vertebral artery?

A member asked:

What is hypoplastic right vertebral artery?

A member asked:

What is right vertebral artery is mildly hypoplastic?

A member asked:

If my right vertebral artery is markedly hypoplastic, and the left one is dominant. if the left one becomes damaged im instantly doomed?

A member asked:

What's it like to have a stent in either carotid or vertebral artery?

A member asked:

What does congenital hypoplasia of the right vertebral artery mean?

A member asked:

My consultant said my right vertebral artery is narrower than the left one. but it is something i have been born with and it is not a problem.

A member asked:

Is it likely i have a vertebral artery tear from awkwardly reaching up to grab something while sitting? i could feel pressure on the side of my neck.

Sponsored Content

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?