The diagnosis of posterior circulation stroke or TIA can be made on the basis of history and physical examination, which should include exclusion of alternative causes for the patient's symptoms and consideration of risk factors for atherosclerosis. To confirm<unk> , imaging studies of the posterior circulation can be performed. CT is often the first study performed in acute stroke or TIA, as it is effective at excluding intracranial haemorrhage, however MRI is better at detecting ischemic strokes in the posterior distribution. CT angiography and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) can be used to detect atherosclerosis and other diseases in the posterior circulation arteries. Both can over-estimate stenosis. It is also important to remember that atherosclerosis is a common finding, and its presence does not confirm that this was the cause of the patient's symptoms. Alternative diagnoses<unk>  is often considered when a patient complains of dizziness. It is important to distinguish dizziness caused by vertigo from the sensation of being light-headed, as the latter is more commonly a result of other conditions. Brief episodes of vertigo brought on by head movements are more likely to be Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Alternatively, carotid sinus hypersensitivity can cause episodes of dizziness and collapse on head turning if the neck brushes against clothing.
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency
Convergence insufficiency
Velopharyngeal insufficiency
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Noise-induced hearing loss
Vibroacoustic disease
Aqueductal stenosis
Subglottic stenosis