The brain stem is a critical part of the brain. It controls heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, swallowing, eye movement, speech, and body movement. After a brain stem stroke, it can leave the patient with severe impairments.
Paralysis
After a brain stem stroke, patients may have either total paralysis or partial paralysis. If the stroke occurs on the right half of the brain, paralysis will be on the left side of the body; the opposite occurs if the stroke occurs on the left half of the brain.
Coma
When breathing and heart rate are impaired, patients can enter into a coma. Depending on the extent of the damage, patients can be in a permanent vegetative state.
Ataxia
Ataxia, or difficulties with movement, are common with brain stem stroke patients.
Speaking Difficulties
Brain stem stroke patients may have problems speaking afterward. In addition, they may also display problems swallowing.
Nystagmus
Nystagmus is the uncontrolled movement of the eyes, which can result in dizziness and nausea.
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Writer Bio
Lia Stannard has been writing about women’s health since 2006. She has her Bachelor of Science in neuroscience and is pursuing a doctorate in clinical health psychology.