Abstract
The authors examined two cases complained of vertigo and visceral symptoms. Case I, with the anamnesis of head trauma, showed vertical spontaneous nystagmus (directed downward), direction-changing positional nystagmus (Nylen type I) and xanthochromia of cerebrospinal fluid. Case II, with the anamnesis of abnormal neck movement, showed direction-fixed horizontal nystagmus. Vertebral angiograms of these two cases revealed the diffuse narrowings of basilar arteries.
The authors discussed about signs, symptoms and causes of vertebro-basilar insufficiency, especially causes of cerebrovascular narrowing. It was assumed that the cause of Case I was subarachnoidal hemorrhage (chemical irritant of blood), and Case II was overmovement of neck (neurovascular reflex). Case I was treated successfully with vasodilator and sympatholytic agents. Case II was given the operation of stripping of perivascular nerve net of vertebral artery and improved markedly.
