The basilar artery is the main artery at the back portion of your brain. It carries oxygen-rich blood to your brainstem, cerebellum and occipital lobes. Several conditions can disrupt blood flow in the brain. Any blood flow disruption in the brain is an emergency.
The basilar artery is a blood vessel at the back of your brain. It supplies oxygen-rich blood to portions of your brain and central nervous system.
The basilar is the main artery that carries blood to the back portion of your brain. It forms where the blood vessels that extend through your spinal cord (vertebral arteries) come together. The basilar artery and all its branches are called the vertebrobasilar system.
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The basilar artery carries oxygen-rich blood to the:
The basilar artery is at the front of your brainstem. Your brainstem is the stalk-like portion of your brain that connects your brain and spinal cord.
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Your basilar artery has several branches:
Several conditions may disrupt blood flow in the basilar artery, including:
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Any disruption to blood flow in your brain is an emergency. Brain cells can die quickly without oxygen and other nutrients, leading to long-term brain damage.
Call 911 if you experience any symptoms of disrupted blood flow in your brain, including:
You also may experience nausea or vomiting, which typically are accompanied by one or more additional signs of disrupted blood flow to the brain.
You can keep your brain and basilar artery healthy by making lifestyle changes, such as:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
The basilar artery is the main artery that supplies blood to the back portion of your brain. It carries oxygen-rich blood to your brainstem, cerebellum and occipital lobes. Several conditions, such as blood clots or aneurysms, can disrupt blood flow in your brain. If you experience any symptoms of these conditions, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department right away.
Last reviewed on 04/29/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy