Brainstem Stroke

Locked-in syndrome where only the eyes are able to move

Problems with breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure

Coma

Severe headache

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?

The doctor will make a diagnosis as quickly as possible. The doctor may order: ‚

Exam of the nervous system
CT or MRI scan
CT angiogram
MRA scan
Heart function tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram
Doppler ultrasound
Lab tests

How does the doctor treat this health problem?

Urgent care is needed right away to possibly: ‚

Dissolve a clot if there is low or no blood flow to the brain
Stop the bleeding during this kind of stroke

The doctor and nurses will take steps to keep the heart and lungs working as normal. A tube may need to be placed in your throat to give you oxygen. ‚
These procedures may be done to treat an ischemic stroke: ‚

Embolectomy ¢ ˆ ’ A catheter is used to remove the clot or give clot-dissolving drugs.
Carotid endarterectomy ¢ ˆ ’ Fatty deposits are removed from a carotid artery in the neck.
Carotid angioplasty and stenting ¢ ˆ ’ Carotid artery is widened and a mesh tube is placed to keep it open for good blood flow.

For a hemorrhagic stroke, a clip or tiny coil may be placed on the weakened wall of the vessel in the brain to stop it from bleeding. ‚

Are there other health problems to treat?

Brainstem strokes can lead to serious problems. You may have many kinds of care to help you get back as much function as possible. ‚

Physical therapy to get better movement
Occupational therapy to help with everyday tasks and self-care
Speech therapy to help with swallowing and speech problems
Psychological therapy to help cope with life after the stroke

What lifestyle changes are needed?

You may need to have help around the house. Talk to your doctor about what changes you may have to make. ‚

What drugs may be needed?

The kind of drugs your doctor will order is based on the kind of stroke you have had. For an ischemic stroke, the doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Dissolve clots and stop new ones from forming
Thin blood
Control blood pressure
Treat an abnormal heart rate
Treat high cholesterol

For a hemorrhagic stroke, the doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Work against any blood-thinning drugs you may normally take
Reduce how your brain reacts to bleeding
Control blood pressure

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

If you have a long-term illness, like high blood pressure or high blood sugar, get proper care.
Ask your doctor if you should take a low-dose aspirin each day.
Talk to your doctor about drugs to lower your cholesterol level.

When do I need to call the doctor?

Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚

Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Where can I learn more?

American Stroke Association ‚
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/EffectsofStroke/Brain-Stem-Stroke_UCM_310771_Article.jsp ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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