What Is Brainstem Stroke?

• A type of stroke that occurs in the brainstem
• The brainstem controls breathing, heartbeat, and basic bodily functions
• Can affect both sides of the body
• May impair consciousness, movement, speech, and vital functions
• Considered a medical emergency

What Causes It?

• Ischemic stroke – blood clot blocks blood flow to the brainstem
• Hemorrhagic stroke – bleeding in the brainstem due to ruptured vessel
• High blood pressure
• Aneurysm rupture
• Head or neck trauma
• Blood vessel abnormalities

What Are the Types?

• Ischemic Brainstem Stroke – Most common, due to a clot or blocked artery
• Hemorrhagic Brainstem Stroke – Caused by bleeding in the brainstem

What Are the Symptoms?

• Sudden dizziness or vertigo
• Trouble speaking or slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Double vision or loss of vision
• Numbness or weakness, often on both sides
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Confusion or altered consciousness
• Locked-in syndrome in severe cases (paralysis except for eye movements)

How Is It Diagnosed?

• CT scan or MRI of the brain
• Cerebral angiography
• Blood tests to check clotting and cholesterol
• ECG or echocardiogram to detect heart-related causes
• Neurological examination

What Is the Treatment?

• Emergency care – Stabilizing breathing and blood pressure
• Clot-busting drugs – tPA (for ischemic stroke if given quickly)
• Surgery – To relieve pressure or stop bleeding in hemorrhagic stroke
• Antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy – To prevent further clots
• Rehabilitation – Speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy
• Feeding support – If swallowing is impaired

What Are the Risk Factors?

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Heart disease or irregular heartbeat (e.g., atrial fibrillation)
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Family history of stroke

Can It Be Prevented?

• Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Regular physical activity
• Managing diabetes and heart disease
• Avoiding excessive alcohol
• Taking prescribed blood thinners (if at high risk)

When to See a Doctor?

• Sudden dizziness, confusion, or trouble speaking
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Any signs of stroke — call emergency services immediately