The artery connects the internal carotid and the posterior cerebral arteries.
Its role is to provide blood supply to the brain.
The posterior communicating artery is a location whereaneurysmscan potentially occur.
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It is located on the left and right sides of the head and is relatively short.
The posterior cerebral arteries branch off from thebasilar artery.
The left and right PCAs form the longest sections of the circle of Willis.
The internal carotid arteries are located in the front of the neck.
They travel through the carotid canal, where they enter the skull.
When this happens, the posterior communicating artery becomes the main pathway instead of the basilar artery.
Function
Arteriesare blood vessels that transport oxygen and blood to the cells in the body.
The internal carotid supplies the head and brain with blood.
Clinical Significance
Conditions affecting the PCOM can have a major impact on the brain.
Aneurysms in this location make up about 25% of all intracranial aneurysms.
Saccular aneurysms are those that bulge out from the artery like a berry attached by a stalk.
Symptoms do not always occur with aneurysms, especially if they havent ruptured.
A diagnosis may be made using:
Treatment is coordinated by a neurologist or a neurosurgeon.
Sometimes, unruptured aneurysms do not require treatment.
Other times, they may need to be surgically repaired.
Lifestyle changes may be suggested to reduce the risk of a rupture.
Stroke
Astrokeoccurs when there is an interruption of blood flow in an artery.
Managing blood pressure, blood glucose, fluids, and electrolytes is also important.
Surgery is not a common treatment for strokes but may be recommended in some circumstances.
Treatment may include medication or surgery to temporarily remove part of the skull to accommodate swelling.
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