What is a common cause of stroke in the territory of the Posterior Cerebral Artery?

Atherosclerosis is a common cause of stroke in the territory of the Posterior Cerebral Artery because this condition involves the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries, which can lead to narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels. When this blockage occurs in the arteries supplying blood to the posterior part of the brain, it can result in ischemic strokes, leading to significant neurological deficits.

The Posterior Cerebral Artery is critical for providing blood to areas of the brain responsible for vision and other sensory information. Therefore, atherosclerosis, by reducing blood flow in this area, can have profound effects on visual perception and processing.

While hypertension and diabetes are risk factors for atherosclerosis and can contribute to strokes in general, they do not directly cause strokes in the territory of the Posterior Cerebral Artery as specifically as atherosclerosis does. Trauma, while it can lead to stroke, is not a common or typical cause in this context compared to the progressive nature of atherosclerotic disease. Thus, atherosclerosis stands out as the primary pathological process leading to strokes specifically affecting the Posterior Cerebral Artery.