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Brain Stem Stroke

                                 

Definition

A brainstem stroke happens when blood supply to the base of the brain is stopped. This can affect many functions in the body, such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. There are two main types: ischemic and hemorrhagic . An ischemic stroke is the most common type.

Symptoms of a brain stem stroke

Because the brain stem controls a variety of motor functions, strokes in this area of the brain cause a diverse range of symptoms.

Brain stem strokes can disrupt vital bodily functions, such as:

  • Muscle weakness.
  • Hearing and vision problems.
  • Sensory changes.
  • Problems with balance.
  • A feeling of spinning when a person is still.
  • Problems breathing.
  • Problems chewing, swallowing, and speaking.

What is brain stem stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, either due to a blocked artery or a leaking blood vessel.

The brain stem is located at the base of the brain and is responsible for receiving and relaying information throughout the body.

The brain stem controls essential body functions, such as:

  • breathing
  • swallowing
  • eye movement
  • facial movement and sensation
  • hearing
  • heart rate
  • blood pressure
  • Brain stem strokes can affect a person’s fundamental bodily functions and may lead to long-term complications.

Diagnosing a brain stem stroke

If a person experiences symptoms of a stroke, their doctor will use imaging tests, such as CT and MRI scans to determine whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic.

Doctors may also order additional procedures, such as blood tests, echocardiograms.

Treatment

A brain stem stroke is a medical emergency. It requires immediate treatment to save lives and reduce the risk of lasting complications.

Treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of stroke:

Ischemic stroke

Treatment for an ischemic stroke involves restoring blood flow by eliminating the clot. Methods include the following:

  • Clot-busting drugs, such as tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), which will help dissolve the clot and restore blood flow to the affected area.
  • Anti-platelet drugs, such as warfarin. A doctor may recommend aspirin if a person has a high risk of a heart attack or stroke and a low risk of bleeding. Current guidelines do not recommend the regular use of aspirin for most people, as was the case in the past.
  • Endovascular therapy, which is a surgical procedure that involves the use of mechanical retrievers to remove blood clots.
  • Other devices, such as balloons or stents, which can be used to open up narrowed blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Hemorrhagic stroke

Treatment for hemorrhagic strokes focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain. Treatment methods include:

  • Administering drugs to control blood pressure and prevent seizures.
  • Coil embolization, which is a surgical procedure that helps form a blood clot in the weakened vessel. The clot will reduce bleeding and stop the blood vessel from breaking open again.

Once bleeding in the brain is under control, doctors may perform surgical procedures to repair the broken blood vessel to prevent it from hemorrhaging again.

Risk factors for stroke

Anyone can have a stroke such as family history, gender, race, and age put some people at higher risk for stroke than others.

According to the American Stroke Association, women have more strokes than men and are more likely to die from a stroke than men.

Some risk factors that are unique to women include:

  • use of hormone replacement therapies
  • long-term use of birth control pills in combination with other risk factors, such as smoking
  • pregnancy

People of African-American and Hispanic descent are also at higher risk of stroke.The majority of strokes occur in people over the age of 65.

Medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke include:

  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol
  • arterial fibrillation (AFib)
  • diabetes
  • obesity
  • cardiovascular disease (CVD)
  • Lifestyle risk factors

People cannot control genetic factors, but they can control lifestyle factors that increase the risk of stroke. Behaviors that increase high blood pressure or the risk of clot formation can lead to a higher risk of stroke.

Behaviors that can increase the risk of stroke include:

  • smoking tobacco
  • excessive alcohol use
  • illegal drug use
  • a sedentary lifestyle
  • poor diet

What does a stroke feel like?

The list below includes classic signs of stroke. It is common to only experience some of the symptoms.

For example, a person experiencing numbness and difficulty balancing due to a stroke may not also have cognitive problems. This may put them off going to the hospital.

If someone experiences any of the following symptoms, they should seek medical aid as soon as possible:

problems talking or understanding others

  • numbness or drooping on one side of the face
  • numbness or weakness on one side of the body
  • trouble walking or balancing
  • vision problems
  • a sharp or severe headache
  • dizziness
  • trouble swallowing

Of these symptoms, only the headache is painful. Many people who have a stroke do not feel any pain.

If a person is unsure whether something is wrong, they may ignore the other symptoms. However, in cases of a stroke, fast action is essential. Be aware of all the symptoms, and be prepared to call an ambulance if they appear.

Anyone who may be having a stroke should not drive. Symptoms may rapidly become worse, and they could harm themselves or others in an accident.

Complications of brain stem stroke:

A brain stem stroke can cause you to lose your sense of smell and taste.

Other rare complications include coma and locked-in syndrome. Locked-in syndrome is a condition in which your entire body, except for the eye muscles, is paralyzed. People are able to think and communicate through eye movements, such as blinking.

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