A condition resulting from interruption of motor pathways in the ventral pons, usually
by infarction. This disconnection of the motor cells in the lower brain stem and spinal
cord from controlling signals issued by the brain leaves the patient completely paralyzed
and mute, but able to receive and understand sensory stimuli; communication may be
possible by code using blinking, or movements of the jaw or eyes, which can be spared.
is subject to a high degree of error as a diagnosis, a high measure of onfusion as to definitiuon, and an inflation of the role of the expert. This article from Issues in Law and Me dicine discusses these issues in detail.
-- From the World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia (TM)(C) 1997 World Book, Inc.
525W.Monroe, Chicago, IL 60661. All rights reserved.
-- Brain Stem
BRAIN STEM
Functions
Breathing
Heart Rate
Swallowing
Reflexes to seeing and hearing (Startle Response).
Controls sweating, blood pressure, digestion, temperature (Autonomic Nervous
System).
Affects level of alertness.
Ability to sleep.
Sense of balance (Vestibular Function).
Observed Problems:
Decreased vital capacity in breathing, important for speech.
Swallowing food and water (Dysphagia).
Difficulty with organization/perception of the environment.
The signs and symptoms of a brainstem stroke The brainstem contains the
fibers which connect the brain to the spinal cord and cerebellum and also emits the nerves
which project to the face and head. Strokes within the brainstem may be localized by the
pattern of deficits caused by the interruption of these nerves. The cerebellum functions
in the coordination of movement. The clumsy hand-dysarthria syndrome is produced by injury
to cerebellar projections and to the motor centers of face which serve articulation.
Cerebellar injury alone may produce a characteristic cerebellar tremor or gait. A large
stroke in the upper brainstem may sever the connections between the brain and the body. In
such an instance, a person may retain consciousness and intelligent thought but become
entirely paralyzed except for eye movements. This is called the locked-in syndrome.
-- The BrainCenter
The Brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord and almost every
output from the brain goes through the brain stem to the spinal cord. According to
information at The Virtual
Hospital , the brain stem itself also controls the following functions: Breathing,
Heart Rate, Swallowing, Reflexes for Seeing & Hearing, Sweating, Blood Pressure,
Digestion, Temperature, Sense of balance, Ability to Sleep and Level of Alertness.
The Perspectives Network, Inc.'s primary focus is positive communication between
persons with brain injury, family members/ caregivers/friends of persons with brain
injury, those many professionals who treat persons with brain injury and community members
in order to create positive changes and enhance public awareness and knowledge of
acquired/traumatic brain injury.
Homepage for brain injury survivors and caregivers with TBI picture, story, and poem
gallery, discussion board, question of the week, TBI and ABI links.
A traumatic brain injury resource guide with information on brain injury,
rehabilitation, long-term assisted living, current research, free article reprints, books,
adaptive equipment, pharmacology, mild head injury, and much more.
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Notice: I make no implied or expressed
warranties about the reliability of the information in this website and will not be
responsible for damages caused by it's use.
Brain Awareness Week March 11 - 17, 2002
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