Hindbrain circulation and its evaluation by dynamic computed tomography.

Permanent or transient reduction of blood flow to the end-organs and to the hindbrain is the single major cause of vestibular disorders and a common cause of sensorineural hearing loss. New imaging modalities have become available which allow the recognition of focal areas of hindbrain ischemia in the prestroke stage. The correlation between focal ischemic pathology and clinical findings opens a new approach to the mapping of central pathology. In addition a detailed knowledge of the vascular anatomy of the hindbrain is indispensable for the development of new microvascular surgical techniques aimed at the restoration of sufficient blood supply.