Bowhunter's stroke is a rare type of ischemic stroke. It results from narrowing or obstruction of the main arteries that supply the blood to the brainstem and cerebellum at the back of the brain. A bowhunter's stroke usually occurs with head movement, such as turning to the side, which puts pressure on a vertebral artery at the back of the upper neck, where the artery enters the brain.
Normally, you don't compress the vertebral arteries when you turn your head. Bowhunter's stroke is usually associated with other cervical spine abnormalities that cause abnormal pressure on these arteries. A doctor may make a diagnosis of bowhunter's stroke by:
- Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain or cervical spine
- Magnetic resonance angiogram
- Angiogram
Treatment is directed at reducing pressure on the arteries with head movement and may include:
