PICA
Medical abbreviation · Neurology
| Stands for | Posterior inferior cerebellar artery |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PICA stands for Posterior inferior cerebellar artery, a neurology abbreviation.
Branch of the vertebral artery supplying the lateral medulla and the underside of the cerebellum. Occlusion produces lateral medullary (Wallenberg) syndrome or cerebellar stroke with vertigo, vomiting and imbalance.
Example: Right PICA infarct: vertigo, hoarseness, right Horner syndrome and left body pain-temperature loss.
Usage notes
Wallenberg syndrome combines loss of pain and temperature sensation on the same side of the face and opposite side of the body, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, Horner syndrome and ataxia. Vertebral artery dissection is a common cause in younger patients. Large cerebellar infarcts can swell and compress the brainstem, sometimes requiring surgical decompression. Pronounced "PIE-kuh."
Related abbreviations
More neurology abbreviations
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- NPH – Normal pressure hydrocephalus
- OCB – Oligoclonal bands
- PCom – Posterior communicating artery
- PCS – Post-concussion syndrome
- PD – Parkinson's disease
- PLEX – Plasma exchange
- PML – Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
- PN – Peripheral neuropathy
- PNES – Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
- PPA – Primary progressive aphasia
- PPMS – Primary progressive multiple sclerosis
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.