Brain Stem Injury



Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005

by Elizabeth Morgan

The Brain Stem is a part of the brain located beneath the cerebrum and in front of the cerebellum. It connects the spinal cord to the rest of the brain. The brain stem controls involuntary muscles such as the stomach and the heart. The brain stem also acts as a relay station between the brain and the rest of the body.

Since the brain stem controls several functions, it is rarely the only part of the brain that is affected when it is injured. The symptoms of such an injury are similar to a normal brain injury and the effect it has is about the same. Examples are memory problems, difficulty concentrating, difficulty staying focused, and physical defects including the inability to walk, remain balanced, and a loss of strength.

Paralysis may occur when the brain stem is damaged since it is directly linked to the spiral cord. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to properly identify lesions on the brain stem that lead to paralysis. Recovery is possible in some cases but is dependent on the severity of brain damage the patient endured.

The brain stem is especially vulnerable to injury caused by rear impact to the head. Although it is very small, this part of the body is vital to proper body functions and can cause severe disabilities if it is damaged. It is important for people exhibiting the symptoms of a brain injury to seek medical help. In some cases, the brain injury can be treated and the patient can resume a normal life.

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