CERVICAL OSTEOCHONDROSIS AND ISCHEMIC STROKE: VERTEBROBASILAR MECHANISMS, RISK ASSESSMENT AND PREVENTION
Keywords:
cervical osteochondrosis, cervical spondylosis, ischemic stroke, vertebral artery, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, posterior circulation, prevention.Abstract
Cervical osteochondrosis, described in the international literature as cervical spondylosis or degenerative cervical disc disease, is among the most common musculoskeletal conditions of adults, and ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability. This article reviews how degenerative changes of the cervical spine may contribute to ischemia in the vertebrobasilar territory, summarizes epidemiological evidence of an association, and outlines a practical approach to recognition, imaging and prevention in clinical practice. The evidence supports an association with posterior circulation stroke rather than proof of a direct causal role, and management should therefore combine vascular risk control with careful spinal assessment.
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