Clinical aspects of vertebrobasilar insufficiency in middle-aged and elderly patients

Objective: To analyze the clinical manifestations of vertebrobasilar insufficiency in middle-aged and elderly patients. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using clinical examination data from 55 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The majority of the patients were men (29 patients, or 52.7%), while women accounted for 26 (47.3%). The patients were middle-aged (45-59 years) and elderly (60-74 years), accounting for 51.0% and 49.0%, respectively. Results: The study revealed gender differences in disease duration: in men, the average disease duration was 8.42 years, with a maximum of 17 years, indicating significant variability in this indicator within the male subgroup. In the female cohort, the range of values was slightly lower (7.45 years and 15 years, respectively) compared to the male group. Among the most common clinical manifestations in patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency are: arterial hypertension (in 20 cases, 36.4%), headaches (in 20 cases, 36.4%), dizziness (in 19 cases, 34.5%), general weakness (in 19 cases, 34.5%) and pain in the cervical spine (in 11 cases, 20.0%). Conclusion: The clinical profile of cerebrovascular diseases is highly variable, ranging from transient, nonspecific symptoms to severe ischemic strokes associated with a high risk of disability and death. The findings indicate a tendency for the disease to progress more slowly in men, which may reflect differences in clinical onset, time to seeking medical care, or progression of the pathological process. These significant differences require further analysis, taking into account clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors.