The brain stem is a small part of the brain. It measures about one half inch in diameter and is about 2.5% of the total brain mass. There are three major areas of the brain stem: the midbrain, pons, and medulla. The brain stem plays a major role in basic bodily functions, such as breathing, consciousness, and heart rate.
A brain stem stroke is a unique type of stroke. It is true, all strokes are unique, because every stroke is different. But brain stem strokes are particularly different when it come to symptoms and recovery.
Due to its small size, most brain stem strokes are relatively small, but the effects can be significant. Interestingly, intensive and consistent rehabilitation often helps individuals regain function. But how does a brain stem stroke impact the survivor?
In this article, we will consider the three major brain stem regions and some potential side effects of stroke in this area of the brain. Please follow through.
Three Major regions of stroke in the Brain Stem
As is in all strokes a brain stem stroke occur because supply of blood may have been compromised or disrupted by either a clogged artery (ischemic stroke) or burst artery (hemorrhagic stroke).
A stroke can occur in any of the three major regions of the brain stem: the midbrain, pons, and medulla.
However, some strokes that injure the brain stem also affect the cerebellum (located behind the top part of the brain stem) or other surrounding areas. As a result brain stem stroke presents peculiar symptoms such as vertigo and nausea. These are unusual stroke symptoms unlike, slurred speech and arm weakness which are common in most strokes. These symptoms often confuse people and make it difficult to diagnose brain stem strokes.
Some Possible Side effects of Brain Stem Stroke
As you already have learned, the brain stem plays a major role in very important body functions, such as breathing, consciousness, and heart rate. When a stroke occur in this brain region it can affect these functions, and others. Below are some of the possible side effects of a stroke in the brain stem:
Coma:
Because the brain stem controls states of consciousness, a stroke in the brain stem can result in a coma.
Locked-in syndrome: This is a severe medical condition that can result to an individual becoming completely paralyzed, except for the eyes.
Difficulty breathing: The medulla controls breathing, and it is a major part of the brain stem. A stroke in this region of the can affect the ability to breathe.
Dysphagia:
Is having difficulty swallowing. This too is a common aftereffect of a brain stem stroke. In one study it was discovered that about; “81% of brain stem stroke survivors exhibited dysphagia during the first 10-75 days after the stroke.” Interestingly, follow-ups showed that many regained the ability to swallow.
Vision difficulties: Vision difficulties, such as nystagmus (when the eye makes repetitive, uncontrolled movements), can occur after brain stem stroke.
Ataxia:
Ataxia refers to difficulties with voluntary motor control, often resulting in poor balance and uncoordinated movements of limbs. Ataxia is a condition that occur specifically due to damage in the cerebellum and other surrounding areas like the brain stem.
Wallenberg’s syndrome:
This is a rare condition which refers to ataxia on the same side of the body as the injury to the brain.
Loss of sensation:
This can include loss of smell and taste, difficulty sensing temperature, numbness, and other sensory issues.
Summary
A brain stem stroke is a unique type of stroke. It is true, all strokes are unique, because every stroke is different. But brain stem strokes are particularly different when it come to symptoms and recovery.
Due to its small size, most brain stem strokes are relatively small, but the effects can be significant.
The brain stem stroke presents peculiar symptoms such as vertigo and nausea. These are unusual stroke symptoms unlike, slurred speech and arm weakness which are common in most strokes. These symptoms often confuse people and make it difficult to diagnose brain stem strokes.
The brain stem plays a major role in very important body functions, such as breathing, consciousness, and heart rate. When a stroke occur in this brain region it can affect these functions, and others.
Book to connect: “Stroke and your brain eleven regions that should matter to you”. Parts one and two.