Ectatic Vertebral Arteries and Speech Pathology

I recently became fascinated by brainstem compression by ectatic vertebral artery while looking for information on swallowing disorders.

I don't exactly understand why I get caught up in subjects of which I know absolutely nothing (don't get me wrong, I know quite a bit about swallowing disorders).

An ectatic vertebral artery is one that has become so long and tortuous that it compresses the brainstem and therefore effects the root entry and/or exit zones of cranial nerves. This compression then can cause all sorts of problems: gait disturbances, voice disorders, swallowing difficulties, facial spasms, facial pain, hypertension, obstructive hydrocephalus.

Surgery is the answer: microvascular decompression.

Cut a hole behind the ear, go into the brainstem, gently move the offending artery away from the brain.

Wow.