Posterior Circulation Stroke in Patients With Dizziness: Diagnostic Challenges and Practical Considerations for Emergency Care

Posterior circulation stroke (PCS) accounts for approximately 20 to 30% of ischemic strokes, with an estimated annual incidence of 1.17 million.1,2 Diagnosis can be challenging because posterior circulation ischemia may present with common, usually benign symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, headache, nausea, or vomiting. However, more localizing findings, including sudden dysphagia, diplopia, dysarthria, or ataxia, should not be considered nonspecific and warrant a careful neurologic examination directed at posterior circulation structures.