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Here are some of the most common effects of brain stem damage: 1. Because every brain injury is different, brain stem injury survivors may experiences some, all, or none of the possible effects. Many of them affect basic life functions. Regardless of how brain stem damage occurs, there are various effects associated with this type of brain injury. You can also suffer brain stem damage after a brain stem stroke or diffuse axonal injury that tears the brain cells in the midbrain, pons, or medulla. Most injuries to the brain stem are the result of swelling in other areas of the brain as swelling forces the brain stem against the skull. Effects of Brain Stem Damageīrain stem damage is rare. The medulla oversees essential life functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and swallowing.īecause the brain stem is the link between the spinal cord and the rest of the brain, damage to the brain stem can also affect other functions besides the ones listed above. Medulla. Finally, at the bottom of the brain stem is the medulla.The pons acts as a bridge between the cerebellum and spinal cord and helps control your balance, among other things. Pons. Below the midbrain lies the pons.This structure plays a large role in muscle movement, particularly eye movement.


The brain stem is comprised of three distinct sections, which each section contributing to different functions: The brain stem is also responsible for critical functions that keep you alive and aware of your surroundings, making it one of the most important areas of the brain. It connects the brain and spinal cord, which transports messages via neural pathways throughout the body. The brain stem is located at the base of the skull directly above the spinal cord. Use the following links to jump ahead to certain sections: This article will cover everything you need to know about brain stem damage and how the recovery process works. Fortunately, it is often possible for a person with a brain stem injury to recover through rehabilitation. When brain stem damage occurs, important basic life functions, like breathing, are impacted.
