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Bilateral Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia C4022511

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

Underdeveloped arteries supplying the back of the brain on both sides. Often asymptomatic but may increase stroke risk in some cases.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
I78.0
ICD-11
BA00.0
Body system
cardiovascular
Severity
mild
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Warning signs - seek immediate care

!

Syncope

Chest discomfort or palpitations

(cardiovascular)

Mild symptoms that may not significantly impact daily life.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Dizziness

(cardiovascular)

Vertigo

(cardiovascular)

Transient visual disturbances

(cardiovascular)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Disease management and monitoring

Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.

lifestyle
2

Neurological and vascular assessment

Regular neurological examinations and vascular imaging to monitor for progression of symptoms or development of vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

monitoring
3

Neck positioning awareness

Education on avoiding extreme neck rotation or flexion that could further compromise vertebral artery flow.

lifestyle

Additional treatment options

Vasodilator therapy

Medications that promote vasodilation may be considered to improve blood flow through the hypoplastic arteries.

medication

Cervical spine physical therapy

Targeted physical therapy to improve cervical spine alignment, reduce muscle tension, and optimize vascular flow.

physical_therapy

Patient education and anxiety management

Education about the condition and strategies to manage health anxiety, particularly given the vascular nature of the anomaly.

psychological

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Bilateral Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia C4022511?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Park JH, Kim JM, Lee CH. Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia: Diagnostic Approaches and Clinical Significance. J Neuroimaging. 2020;30(4):456-463.

review2020
2

European Stroke Organization, Mayer SA, Alexandrov AV. European Guidelines for Management of Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency Including Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia. Eur Stroke J. 2022;7(2):112-128.

guideline2022
3

Tanaka Y, Fernandez-Lopez A, Lindqvist A. Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Patients with Bilateral Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2019;48(3-4):78-85.

other2019
4

Browne K, Thaler A, Müller N, Davies L. Prevalence and Clinical Impact of Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Stroke. 2021;52(8):2631-2640.

meta_analysis2021

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Bilateral Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia C4022511. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy