A stroke can affect any location in the brain.
A brainstem stroke is usually small in size but may causesubstantial symptoms.
It is also the control center for several life-sustaining functions, such as breathing and heart regulation.
Burger / Phanie / Getty Images
The causes of brainstem stroke are the same as thecauses of strokesin other regions of the brain.
This is one of the clues that a neurologist uses to diagnose a brainstem stroke.
In some instances, a brainstem stroke can cause hiccups.
Careful medical monitoring and care can help maximize recovery and decrease disability after a brainstem stroke.
American Stroke Association.Brain stem stroke.
National Institutes for Health.Locked-in syndrome.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Wallenberg’s syndrome information page.