What is the Basilar Artery? Let's talk in detail!

Have you ever thought about the tiny, but very important blood vessels inside your brain? Just as we have a large system of veins that carry blood throughout our entire body, our brain also has a special network of blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients. So, today we are going to talk about a very, very important blood vessel that carries clean, oxygen-rich blood to the back of our brain. Doctors call this the Basilar Artery . You may not have heard of this name, but it is essential for the functioning of our brain. Let's take a look at what it is, what important functions it performs, what diseases can affect it, and what we can do to keep such an important vessel healthy.

What service does the Basilar Artery provide to the brain?

Simply put, the Basilar Artery is the main blood supply to the very sensitive and important parts of our brain at the back of our head. It's like a main water pipe that supplies water to a city. It carries clean, oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to a few parts of the brain that control many of the functions essential to our survival.

• Brainstem: Did you know that our heart rate, how we sleep, how we breathe, and how we swallow are all controlled by this part of the brainstem, which is essential to our lives and that we don't even realize we're doing? Think of it like the 'control room' of our body. These processes need to happen continuously, whether we're awake or asleep. So if it doesn't get the right blood supply, it can cause unimaginable problems. That's why it's so important to have blood supplied to it through the Basilar Artery.

• Cerebellum: When we walk, run, ride a bike, or even grasp something with our hands, the cerebellum controls our balance, coordinates our voluntary movements, and helps us to do them smoothly. Just think, even doing delicate tasks like stringing beads on a string requires the help of this cerebellum. It also receives blood from the branches of the basilar artery. If blood flow to this part is impaired, it can cause dizziness, such as when walking, and inability to grasp things properly.

• Occipital Lobes: The things we see with our eyes, that is, colors, shapes, movements, all of these are interpreted by the brain, that is, the visual information is processed by the occipital lobes at the back of our brain. Just like a picture taken by a camera is processed by a computer. This too receives its blood supply from the system called the Basilar Artery. If this part is damaged, vision problems can occur.

Where exactly is the Basilar Artery located?

Imagine, our brain is connected to our spinal cord by a part that looks like a tree trunk. That part that looks like a tree trunk is what we call the brainstem. This basilar artery is located in the front of that brainstem, at the bottom of the brain.

To be precise, we have two arteries called the vertebral arteries that run up the spine from each side of our neck. After these two arteries enter the base of the skull, they join together to form this single, large basilar artery. This basilar artery, the two vertebral arteries, and the other small branches that branch off from the basilar artery, together form the entire blood supply system, which we call the vertebrobasilar system . This is very important for blood circulation in the back of the brain.

What are the branches of the Basilar Artery?

This main basilar artery branches out into many smaller, but very important, arteries, like a tree. Each of these branches supplies blood to different parts of the brain. Let's learn about a few of these main branches:

• Cerebellar arteries: These arteries, as the name suggests, connect the Basilar Artery to the aforementioned Cerebellum. This means that these arteries carry the clean blood needed by the cerebellum. These arteries are very important because the cerebellum is important for movement control as well as balance.
• Pontine arteries: In our brainstem, there is an important part called the 'Pons', which is made up of nerve cells and fibers. This helps in the communication between different parts of the brain, and is also involved in things like sleep and breathing. The blood supply to the Pons is provided by these Pontine arteries.
• Posterior cerebral arteries: These veins connect the Basilar Artery to our occipital lobes and temporal lobes. The occipital lobes are said to process what we see. The temporal lobes are what help us process what we hear, that is, sound, and also contribute to memory and language comprehension. So both of these important parts receive blood from these posterior cerebral arteries.

What are the common conditions that can affect the Basilar Artery?

Yes, this very important blood vessel can sometimes have various problems and diseases. If that happens, the blood flow to the relevant parts of the brain can be disrupted, which is very dangerous, because brain cells cannot survive without oxygen. Let's see what such conditions are:

• Aneurysm: This is when the wall of a blood vessel in the brain becomes weak and bulges out like a balloon. It's like an old water pipe bursting in one place. This bulge is very weak. If it suddenly bursts, bleeding (hemorrhage) begins inside the brain. This is a life-threatening emergency.
• Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): This is an abnormal tangle of arteries and veins in the brain (or spinal cord), which can interfere with blood flow. Normally, blood flows from arteries to veins through very small capillaries. However, in an AVM, arteries connect directly to veins without this capillary system. This can cause high pressure, and the tangled veins can burst.
• Intracranial atherosclerosis: This is when plaque, a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, builds up inside the walls of the arteries in the brain. It's like rust and dirt building up in a water pipe over time, clogging the passageway. This plaque narrows the passageway, sometimes completely blocking it. This is a major risk factor for stroke.
• Stroke: You may have heard of this, and some people also call it a 'paralysis'. If the blood flow to the brain is suddenly cut off (for example, if an artery is blocked by a blood clot - this is called an ischemic stroke), or if a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain (this is called a hemorrhagic stroke - this is what happens when an aneurysm bursts), brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients and begin to die. This is not only life-threatening, but can also cause permanent damage even if it is treated. Strokes involving the basilar artery can be very serious.
• Thrombus: This is a blood clot that forms abnormally inside a vein. This blood clot can form inside an artery and block the blood flow through it. If this happens, it can damage the part of the brain that is supplied with blood by that artery.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): This is also known as a 'mini-stroke'. This is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, lasting a few minutes or hours. Although stroke-like symptoms (e.g., difficulty speaking, numbness on one side of the body) may occur, these symptoms usually resolve completely within 24 hours, as blood flow is restored and no permanent damage occurs. However, this is a very important warning! A person who has had a TIA is at high risk of having a major stroke in the near future. Therefore, this should not be ignored and immediate medical attention is required.
• Vertebrobasilar insufficiency: This is when the amount of blood flowing to the back of the brain through the vertebrobasilar system mentioned earlier is reduced or sometimes completely absent. This can be caused by things like atherosclerosis. This increases the risk of having a TIA or stroke. Symptoms like dizziness and difficulty walking can occur.

What are the common symptoms that can identify a problem with the Basilar Artery?

This is very important, remember this: If something interrupts the blood flow to the brain, it is a medical emergency! Because brain cells cannot survive without oxygen for long, and within minutes they will begin to die. This can lead to long-term brain damage, disability, and even death.

Therefore, if you or someone you know suddenly experiences one or more of the symptoms below, do not delay even a minute by calling the 1990 ambulance service immediately, or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital as soon as possible. These are not illnesses that you can just wait at home and drink some coriander water! Prompt treatment can save lives and reduce long-term disabilities.

• Balance problems, such as suddenly starting to sway while walking, or suddenly losing control of your body (sudden loss of coordination).
• Confusion is a sudden loss of consciousness, loss of awareness of where you are, what time it is, and who you are (disorientation).
• Difficulty understanding speech or speaking.
• New or sudden vision loss or double vision in one or both eyes.
• Numbness, weakness, or a feeling of complete loss of life on one side of an arm, leg, or face.
• Severe headaches that come on suddenly and are unbearable, especially if you have never had a headache like this before.
• Sudden dizziness or vertigo, a feeling as if the world is spinning.

In addition to this, you may also experience nausea or vomiting. But that's not all, and if it is accompanied by one or more of the other symptoms mentioned above, it can be a serious condition.

What simple lifestyle changes can we make to keep our brains healthy?

Well, there are many things we can do to keep not only the basilar artery, but also the entire brain's vascular system, as well as the entire body's blood vessel system healthy. If we incorporate these into our daily lives, it will be a great help in avoiding many dangerous diseases like stroke and heart disease and living a healthy and happy life.

• Maintain a healthy weight for your age, gender, and body type. Being overweight can lead to problems with your arteries. This can be achieved through a balanced diet and exercise.
• Control your total cholesterol levels, especially your bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). Doctors recommend keeping your total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL and your LDL cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL. However, depending on your personal risk factors (e.g., diabetes, history of heart disease), your doctor may set a lower target. Cutting down on foods high in fat and sugar and eating more fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, and vegetables) can help.
• Check your blood pressure regularly and keep it at a normal level (near or below 120/80 mmHg). High blood pressure is a 'silent killer' that gradually damages blood vessels. You can control your blood pressure by reducing your salt intake, eating a diet rich in potassium, and exercising. If necessary, take medication as directed by your doctor.
• Exercise regularly. It's a good idea to do aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, running, swimming, or cycling) for at least 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. It's also important to do strength training at least two days a week.
• If you have diabetes, control it very well. Keep your blood sugar levels under control and follow your doctor's treatment plan (diet, exercise, medication) closely. Diabetes can cause serious damage to your blood vessels.
• If you smoke, stop today. Smoking is like poison to your blood vessels. It can narrow your arteries and increase your risk of blood clots. If you need help quitting, see a doctor or counselor.
• Limit or completely stop drinking alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase blood pressure and damage the heart.
• Find ways to reduce stress. Things like yoga, meditation, engaging in hobbies, and talking to friends can help you manage stress. Too much stress is also not good for your health.

So, what message should we remember from today's story?

Simply put, the Basilar Artery is a very, very important blood vessel that supplies blood to the back of our brain. It carries oxygen-rich, clean blood to our brainstem, cerebellum, and occipital lobes. These parts control many of the essential functions of our lives.

Various conditions, such as blood clots, atherosclerosis, or aneurysms, can block the flow of blood to the brain through the basilar artery. This can lead to serious conditions, such as stroke.

Again, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above (e.g., sudden inability to speak, numbness on one side of the body, severe headache) that suggest a problem with blood flow to the brain, it is a medical emergency! So don't waste time and seek medical advice immediately.

Also, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and controlling conditions like blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes can go a long way in keeping the arteries of not only our brains but also our entire bodies healthy. Our health is in our hands!

` Basilar Artery, Blood supply to the brain, Vertebral arteries, Brainstem, Cerebellum, Stroke, Brain health, TIA