Benign brainstem hemorrhage simulating transient ischemic attack

A 48-year-old hypertensive man had sudden onset of symptoms suggesting vertebrobasilar insufficiency, which were transient in nature lasted for only 4 hours. Brain computed tomography revealed a small hematoma in the pontomedullary junction. This is an uncommon presentation of benign brainstem hemorrhage simulating transient ischemic attack. We propose that computed tomographic scan using thin slices of 3mm to 5mm thickness at the level of brainstem is required before starting anticoagulation therapy for vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack.