Brain Stem Stroke

Before starting off with other aspects, like the symptoms of brain stem stroke, we should have a fair idea as to what is brain stem stroke. So, let us begin by understanding what is brain stem stroke.

What Is Brain Stem Stroke?
A stroke which originates in the brain stem is referred to as brain stem stroke. Brain stem stroke can be fatal at times, since our brain controls many of our daily activities like breathing, heart rate, etc. Early treatment of this stroke is necessary. It is essential for the patient to be treated within hours of the stroke. In severe cases, even after immediate treatment, there are chances of the patient dying, entering into coma or requiring life-support systems for staying alive.

Brain Stem Stroke Causes
When sudden death of a number of brain cells occur, then there are chances of a stroke hitting the person. This is one of the causes of brain stem stroke. Clotting of blood in the brain, bleeding in the brain and other interruptions of blood supply to the brain are some characteristics of brain stem stroke. In some cases, brain stem injury can also be a cause of this. The cells die within minutes after the blood supply is interrupted. It is because blood supplies oxygen to the brain, which in turn clears the toxic wastes and keeps the supply flowing smoothly.

Brain Stem Stroke Symptoms
The symptoms vary according to the location of the brain stroke. The patients affected with brain stem stroke experience dizziness, an about-to-fall feeling and slurred speech. The patient may also experience an interruption in some important functions like breathing and some of them may also enter the locked in state, wherein the patients experience the stimuli, but are unable to respond to it. This is a kind of paralysis. Below, I have mentioned in detail about brain stem stroke symptoms:

Paralysis: After the attack of brain stem stroke, patients might experience partial or complete paralysis. This can be either on temporary or permanent basis. If the stroke takes place at the right side of the brain, then the left part is paralyzed while, if it takes place at the left, the right side is paralyzed.

Coma: If the breathing and heart rate is impaired, the patient can enter into coma. The number of days the patient stays in coma depends on the extent of damage.

Ataxia: The most common symptom is difficulty in movement.

Speaking Difficulty: The patient may experience swallowing problems and along with it, they may also experience problem in speaking.

Nystagmus: It is uncontrolled movement of eyes accompanied by dizziness and nausea.

Brain Stem Stroke Treatment
The blood supply should be brought to normal and the blood should reach all parts of the brain including the part where the damaged cells are present. If the stroke is very severe and has gone ahead, then care can be the only treatment. In some cases, the patients can recover but, some parts of his/her body can be impaired to some extent. In such cases, physical therapy is a must. In extremely severe cases, the patient may require supportive medical equipment like a ventilator for his/her survival. At times, it drastically impairs the health of a person.

At times, strokes are very rapid and dangerous at the same time. Hence, if someone experiences symptoms of brain stem stroke, a visit to the doctor is a must. This can happen to anyone and there is no specific precautionary measure to avoid this. However, there are a few brain exercises which can be helpful.