The stroke of the brain stem

Description of the brain stem stroke

The brain stem is located directly on the spinal cord. It helps to control involuntary functions, such as palpitations, breathing and blood pressure. Nerves, used for eye movements, hearing, conversation, chewing and swallowing are also controlled by the brain stem. The normal functioning of the brain stem is vital to the survival.

Stroke occurs brainstem, when in this area of ​​the brain blood supply ceases. This type of stroke may lead to death, and damage to the brainstem, at which it is no longer able to monitor vital functions of the organism.

Causes of brain stem stroke

There are two main types of stroke:

• Ischemic;
• Hemorrhagic.

Ischemic stroke (the most common form) caused by a sharp decrease in blood flow to areas of the brain, which can cause:

• Clot, which is formed in the other body part (eg, or near the neck) and blocks blood flow in a blood vessel, supplying the brain (embolism);
• Clot, which is formed in the artery, which carries blood to the brain (thrombus);
• Angiorrhexis, supplies blood to the brain (arterial dissection).

A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by rupture of a blood vessel, which leads to hemorrhage into the brain.

Risk factors for stroke, brain stem

Risk factors, that can be influenced:

• Certain disorders, such as:
  • High blood pressure;
  • High cholesterol;
  • High levels of homocysteine (can lead to blood clots);
  • Atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries due to the build-up of plaque on their inner walls);
  • Atrial fibrillation (heart rhythm disturbance);
  • Obesity;
  • Metabolic syndrome;
  • Diabetes Type 2;
  • Substance abuse.
• Drugs (eg, long-term use of birth control pills);
• Lifestyle factors:
  • Smoking;
  • Lack of physical activity;
  • A diet high in sodium and processed foods.

Risk factors, that can not affect:

• Previous stroke or cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack;
• Previous transient ischemic attack (TIA) – some people experience “predinsult” or TIA. This is a temporary cessation of the blood supply to the brain (mini-stroke). These stroke symptoms completely resolve within a few minutes. They may indicate a very high risk of a full stroke in the near future;
• Age: 60 and older;
• Family members, who have had a stroke;
• Paul: male;
• Blood diseases, which increases its coagulation;
• Diseases of the heart valves (eg, mytralnыy stenosis).

Symptoms of a stroke of the brain stem

Symptoms of brain stem stroke can be severe and include:

• Problems with the vital functions (eg, Breathing);
• Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, and conversation;
• Weakness or paralysis of the arms, legs, and / or face;
• Problems with the tactile sensations;
• Hearing loss;
• Vision problems;
• Dizziness;
• Able to move only his eyes;
• Coma.

If you notice any of the symptoms, immediately seek medical advice.

Diagnosis of brain stem stroke

Since this is an emergency, doctor makes a diagnosis as quickly as possible. Tests may include:

• Diagnosis nervous system;
• CT scan – type of X-ray, which uses computer, to make pictures of the brain;
• CT angiography – KT, which allows to evaluate the condition of blood vessels in the brain and / or neck;
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of the brain;
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) – type MRT, which allows to evaluate the condition of blood vessels in the brain and / or neck;
• Angiogramma – test, wherein the catheter is used (tube) and x-ray machine to assess the heart and its blood supply;
• Serdenye function tests (eg, ECG, echocardiography);
• Doppler ultrasound – test, which uses sound waves to study the blood vessels;
• Blood tests;
• Tests to check the oxygen level in the blood;
• Tests of the kidney and liver.

Treatment of brain stem stroke

Emergency treatment is necessary, that:

• Rastvoritь clot, that causes an ischemic stroke, to restore blood flow to the brain;
• Stop the bleeding during a hemorrhagic stroke.

The doctor and nurse will take measures to stabilize the heart and lungs. In order to provide the body with oxygen, the trachea can be placed snorkel.

Medications

For the treatment of ischemic stroke, It may be needed the following medications:

• Solvents clots and medication to prevent their formation;
• Blood thinners;
• Drugs to control blood pressure;
• Preparations, allows to treat irregular heart rhythm;
• Medications to treat high cholesterol.

For the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke, your doctor may prescribe these medications:

• Drugs for blood clots;
• Medications to reduce the impact of stroke on the brain;
• Drugs to control blood pressure.

Surgery

Procedures, used for the treatment of ischemic stroke:

• Embolectomy – for the removal of thrombus, or blood clot using a catheter, allows to deliver drugs to the site of the blockage;
• Karotidnaja Angioplasty and stenting – minimally invasive procedures, during which the carotid artery and expanding it to fit a mesh or the tube for expansion.

For the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke can be used clamp, which is placed in the aneurysm, to stop the bleeding.

After stabilization,, delivery of nutrients can be introduced into the feeding tube.

Rehabilitation

The stroke of the brain stem can cause serious problems mogom. Therapy program focused on restoring capacity as large as possible:

• Physiotherapy – to recover maximum mobility;
• Occupational therapy – to assist in everyday tasks and self-service;
• Rechevaya therapy – to improve swallowing and speech;
• Psychological Therapy – to provide support in adapting to life after stroke.

Stroke Prevention brainstem

To reduce the risk of stroke brain stem, Follow these steps::

• Exercise regularly;
• Eat more fruits, vegetables and cereals. Limit your intake of salt and fat;
• Quit smoking;
• Eat more fish;
• Drink alcohol only in moderation (50-100 grams per day);
• Maintain a healthy weight;
• Take low-dose aspirin (50-325 mg per day), if the doctor says, it's safe;
• Control chronic diseases – high cholesterol and diabetes;
• Ask your doctor about the possibility of the use of statins. These medications can help prevent certain kinds of strokes;
• Seek medical advice, If you experience symptoms of a stroke, even if they have disappeared.