What Are The Different Types Of Stroke?

Brain Stem Stroke

A brain stem stroke is a type of stroke where the blood supply to the individual's brain has become blocked in a location within the brainstem. Bleeding or a vessel obstruction can cause this type of stroke. The symptoms of a brainstem stroke tend to be different than those that occur in other types of strokes. An individual's brainstem is responsible for controlling their heartbeat, blood pressure, breathing, swallowing, speech, eye movements, and hearing. Individuals who have a brain stem stroke may lose their sense of taste and smell. Another complication that may occur with a brain stem stroke is called locked-in syndrome, where the whole body becomes paralyzed besides the muscles that move the affected individual's eyes. Patients who have locked-in syndrome are still able to think normally, and can communicate through the movement of their eyes. A brain stem stroke can be the most dangerous type of stroke because of the vital functions the brain stem has control over.