What Are the Effects of a Brain Stem Stroke?

A stroke occurs due to interruption of blood flow to the brain. Ischemic strokes are the most common and are caused by blood clots that block a blood vessel or artery. A stroke can occur in the left hemisphere, right hemisphere, cerebellum or brain stem. Brain stem strokes are particularly devastating.

Function

• The brain stem controls autonomic, also known as "involuntary", functions like breathing, blinking, hearing, swallowing and speech—which is voluntary, but requires involuntary movements to function.

Effects

• A brain stem stroke can cause prolonged coma, the inability to see, hear, speak or eat, the necessity of respirator support and even death.

Paralysis

• The brain stem transmits nerve signals through fibers that connect to the other sections of the brain. When the cells die from a stroke, it can cause paralysis, because the nerve signals can't get through to the rest of the brain.

Brain Damage

• With therapy, some people may recover completely, but brain stem strokes often cause some type of permanent brain damage, varying from mild to severe.

Time Frame

• The sooner you are treated for a stroke, the fewer brain cells you lose. If you have any symptoms of a brain stem stroke—such as nausea, loss of coordination, tremors or clumsiness—you should get to a hospital immediately.