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.

Early care and urgency of a patient with symptoms of a stroke,

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.