The risk of medullary stroke is highest in people ages 65 and up, and those witharterial disease.
If you are experiencingstroke symptoms, call 911 or get to an emergency room immediately.
This article explains what the medulla oblongata is along with the causes and symptoms of medullary stroke.
Encyclopaedia Britannica / Getty Images
It also covers how this pop in of stroke is diagnosed and treated.
Encyclopaedia Britannica / Getty Images
What Is the Medulla Oblongata?
Thebrainstemis the stalk-like feature located at the base of the brain.
It is comprised of three sections: themidbrain,pons, and medulla oblongata.
The medulla, which sits at the bottom-most part of the brainstem, connects to the spinal cord.
The medulla oblongata is densely packed with nerves that serve a variety of purposes.
Some carry sensory information between the brain and spinal cord.
Others coordinate various reflexes andautonomic functionsthat are essential for life.
Function of the Medulla Oblongata
Autonomic functions are those your body does automatically.
Some people who have this throw in of stroke may need a machine to breathe.
More severe strokes in the medulla can cause “locked-in syndrome.
Symptoms of Medullary Stroke
Stroke symptoms can be hard to recognize.
This is unusual because most other strokes cause sensory problems and weakness on the same side of the body.
There are long nerve pathways that transmit information between the body and the brain.
Many of these pathways cross over to the opposite side in the medulla.
This causes the unique pattern of symptoms characteristic of medullary stroke.
Is an Injury to the Medulla Oblongata Fatal?
Some injuries to this part of the brain cause problems like numbness, poor motor control, and paralysis.
This is rare, however.
Diagnosis
A stroke in the medulla can be more difficult to diagnose than other strokes.
This is because symptoms like dizziness, balance problems, and headaches are vague.
Usually, aneurologistcan identify a medullary stroke during a physical examination.
If the symptoms are mild, however, they might not be very apparent in the early stages.
A brainCT scanor a brainMRIcan also be used to diagnose a medullary stroke.
A brain MRI is usually considered a reliable test for identifying strokes in this part of the brain.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize internal structures.
An angiogram uses X-rays to track how blood moves through the body.
Strokes of the medulla oblongata do not affect the language or thinking areas of the brain.
This can make it easier for you to participate more fully in yourrehabilitation.
Summary
A medullary stroke happens in the medulla oblongata, which is located on the brain stem.
A medullary stroke can cause serious symptoms like paralysis and coordination problems.
In severe cases, patients may need a machine to breathe.
Symptoms can be vague at first but may progress to numbness, weakness, and loss of balance.
An MRI can help your healthcare provider diagnose this bang out of stroke.
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