Stroke in the brainstem

A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted. The way a stroke affects the brain depends on which part of the brain suffers damage, and to what degree. Sitting just above the spinal cor the brain stem controls your breathing , heartbeat, and blood pressure. It also controls your speech, swallowing, hearing, and eye movements.

Risk factors for brain stem stroke are the same as for strokes in other areas of the brain : high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, atrial fibrillation and smoking. Similarly, brain stem strokes can be caused by a clot or a hemorrhage.

As the brainstem contains numerous cranial nuclei and white matter tracts, a stroke in this area can have a number of unique symptoms depending on the particular blood vessel that was injured and the group of cranial nerves and tracts that are no longer perfused. Problems with chewing and swallowing. Partial or complete hearing loss. Numbness or loss of sensation.

Common symptoms of a brainstem stroke include: Difficulty breathing. The medulla is at the base of the brain stem and an injury to one side of it produces weakness on the opposite side of the body. If the stroke affects the area that gives rise to the 12th cranial nerve, which pushes the tongue out, the survivor’s tongue will deviate to the side of the stroke. Other common symptoms of a brain stem stroke include: Difficulty in speaking.

There is partial or complete loss of hearing.

In some cases, a brainstem stroke may lead to paralysis. Patient experiences blurry vision. With paralysis, one or both sides of the body may be unable to move. The brainstem is made up of three parts: midbrain , pons , and medulla.

Some carry blood to the left side of the body. There are six arteries that carry blood to the brainstem. Others carry blood to the right side of the body. Thalamus The thalamus is a small structure within the brain located just above the brain stem between the cerebral cortex and the midbrain and has extensive nerve connections to both.

Brainstem stroke may also cause double vision, nausea and loss of coordination. Brain stem strokes can disrupt vital bodily functions, such as: breathing. The causes of brainstem stroke are the same as the causes of strokes in other regions of the brain. A more serious outcome is locked- in syndrome. When blood flow is stoppe the brain tissue quickly dies.

A brainstem stroke happens when the blood supply to the area is stopped. Since the brainstem has a vital role, this damage can lead to death. Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue. The following signs and symptoms may be a warning that you are about to have a stroke in your brainsteDizziness, loss of balance, nausea, or vomiting.

A brain stem stroke is a stroke that occurs in the brain stem , near the base of the skull and just above the spinal cord.

Slurred speech, or trouble speaking or swallowing. Blurred or double vision, or eye pain. Strokes in the brain stem do not affect language ability, and this makes it easier to participate in rehabilitation therapy. Vertigo and double vision typically resolve if the stroke is mild or moderate.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are important components of stroke recovery. My husband suffered a brainstem stroke on Dec. He had high blood pressure and was driving home from work and felt very dizzy. He drove to his doctors office where they called an ambulance and he was taken to the emergency room.

The Drs thought he was having a stroke but could not confirm it on CAT scan so they.