Vertebrobasilar insufficiency and stroke.

Vertigo is the most common symptom of transient ischemia within the vertebrobasilar system. Episodes typically come on abruptly and last minutes. Although there are usually associated symptoms, isolated attacks of vertigo can occur. Vertigo is also a common symptom with brain stem and cerebellar strokes. Isolated cerebellar infarction can mimic peripheral vestibular disorders because vertigo and imbalance are the main symptoms with both disorders. Modern neuroimaging techniques have markedly improved diagnostic capabilities.