Posterior Circulation Infarct

Posterior circulation infarct (POCI) is a type of cerebral infarction affecting the posterior circulation supplying one side of the brain.

Posterior circulation stroke syndrome (POCS) refers to the symptoms of a patient who clinically appears to have had a posterior circulation infarct, but who has not yet had any diagnostic imaging (e.g. CT Scan) to confirm the diagnosis.

It can cause the following symptoms:

• Cranial nerve palsy AND contralateral motor/sensory defect
• Bilateral motor or sensory defect
• Eye movement problems (e.g.nystagmus)
• Cerebellar dysfunction
• Isolated homonymous hemianopia
• Vertigo

It has also been associated with deafness.

See also

• Stroke
• Artery of Percheron