Takeaway
Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is associated with high fatality, and survivors experience frequent medical complications and severe short-term disability that resolves within 5 years.
Why this matters
While BAO is only responsible for a small percentage of ischemic strokes, little research has been done on long-term mortality, functional outcomes and stroke recurrence.
Understanding prognostic factors and outcomes associated with BAO is likely to improve treatment in this population.