What is this?
Bow Hunter's syndrome or commonly called Bow Hunter's Stroke is an ischemic stroke that is caused by the constriction of the vertebral arteries which provide blood flow to the posterior part of the brain.
How does this happen?
Bow Hunter's syndrome can occur by either voluntary or forced rotational movements of the head. As the head is rotated right or left these vessels can become constricted. As the head is rotated to the right, the left vertebral artery is affected as is the right vessel is constricted when the head is rotated to the left. The constriction can occur due to an abnormal congenital deformity of the cervical verebrae. The level at which this commonly occurs is at C1-C2. With this constriction comes occlusions or even a complete stenosis of the artery leading to a loss of blood flow to that side of the brain. Complications due to this affliction can range from TIA like symptoms to a full blown CVA.
Signs and Symptoms?
-Dizzyness
-Nystagmus (involutary eye movements)
-Nausea/Vomiting
-Hemiparesis (weakness or partial paralysis of one side of the body)
-Sensory Changes
-Swallowing difficulties
-Loss of Consciousness
Diagnosis?
-MRI imaging of the brain or cervical spine
-MRA
-Angiogram
Treatment?
-Surgical Fusion of the vertebrae
-Vertebral Artery Decompression
-Neck Brace
References
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