aortic arch syndrome
a disorder caused by progressive obliteration of the main branches of the aortic arch because of arteriosclerosis, aneurysm, or a related problem. Usually only one or two of the branches are involved, affecting blood flow to a local area. If the carotid or vertebral arteries are involved, the brain will be affected. The patient may experience fainting spells, epilepsy-like seizures, temporary blindness, paralysis on one side of the body, aphasia, memory disturbances, or a combination of symptoms. A typical effect is the carotid-sinus syndrome, in which the patient faints after turning the head.