What Are The Signs Of Subclavian Steal Syndrome?

Neurological Deficits

Subclavian steal syndrome is caused by a condition referred to as atherosclerosis, where a substance called plaque builds up inside of the arterial walls. Plaque is a hard calcified substance made of cholesterol, immune system components, and other fats. A piece of this plaque can break loose from its original location and become lodged in blood vessels around the body. When a piece of plaque becomes lodged in the subclavian artery, it can trigger a mechanism that has adverse effects on the patient's brain tissues. When an individual's subclavian artery is obstructed, the circle of Willis in the base of the brain can cause blood to be redirected from the brain tissues to the arm via the vertebral artery. When blood is taken away from the brain tissues to help supply the impaired arm, the patient can experience neurological deficits when the brain cells do not get enough oxygen. The patient may experience neurological deficits such as confusion, vertigo, vision loss, and loss of consciousness.

Get familiar with more warning signs of subclavian steal syndrome now.