Thank you for the response Dr. Sharma. He did experience a tia within 24 hours of surgery that was recognized by the MRI when he went back to the hospital. The only symptoms he's experiencing right now are headache, neck pain and continued weakness in the affected arm. The surgeon relayed that these symptoms are normal after surgery and that it is highly unlikely that he would suffer another tia or stroke due to the occlusion. As far as I know, he doesn't have any of the risk factors you listed above. He is very conscientious regarding his health and he works out regularly at the gym lifting weights and doing cardiovascular excercise. In your opinion, what is the normal recovery time for endoscopic surgery of the cervical spine and would the artery occlusion delay his recovery time? I look forward to your reply.
Hi there. Vertebral artery occlusion could have a gradual onset with patients experiencing transient ischemic attacks for days or weeks prior to occlusion. symptoms of vertebrobasilar strokes include vertigo, nausea and vomiting, disturbance of consciousness, headaches, visual disturbance and visual defects, speech disturbances, sensory disturbance affecting pain and temperature, motor weakness on the opposite side and incontinence.
risk factors associated with stroke are coronary and other heart disease, diabetes, family history of stroke, hypertension, smoking etc. you need to be evaluated by a physician for any concomitant risk factors which could jeopardize and put you at risk of a stroke. Hope this helps. Take care.