BRAIN STEM

The brain stem is the stem-like part of the base of the brain that is connected
to the spinal cord.

The brain stem controls the flow of messages between the brain and the rest of
the body, and it also controls basic body functions such as breathing,
swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure, consciousness, and whether one is
awake or sleepy.

Brain stem
Midbrain
Pons
Medulla Oblongata

Midbrain

The midbrain, also called the mesencephalon, is a small region of the brain
that serves as a relay center for visual, auditory, and motor system
information.

It regulates autonomic functions, those that the body carries out without
conscious thought, such as digestion, heart rate, and breathing rate.

Pons

A major structure in the upper part of the brain stem is called the pons. The
pons has two over-arching roles. The first is the regulation of breathing. In the
pons, there is a structure called the pneumotaxic center. It controls the
amount of air breathed and breaths per minute, which is known as the
breathing rate.

In addition, the pons is involved in the transmission of signals to and from

other structures in the brain, such as the cerebrum or the cerebellum. The
pons is also involved in sensations such as hearing, taste, and balance. Finally,
the pons is also involved in the regulation of deep sleep.

Medulla Oblongata

The medulla oblongata is located in the lower portion of the brainstem. It is

very important in things like heart rate and blood pressure. It's responsible for
many reflexes in the body, or involuntarily controls, such as vomiting,
sneezing, and coughing.
A brain stem stroke happens when the brain’s blood supply is interrupted in
this area. This type of stroke can result in death, since the damaged brain stem
can no longer control the body’s vital functions.

Involuntary Functions

Breathing
Heart Rate
Swallowing
Reflexes to seeing and hearing
Startle Response
Autonomic Nervous System
Sweating
Blood Pressure
Digestion
Temperature
Affects level of alertness
Ability to sleep
Vestibular Function
Sense of balance

Observed Problems

Decreased vital capacity in breathing, important for speech.

Difficulty with organization/perception of the environment.
Balance
Movement
Dizziness
Vertigo
Nausea
Sleeping difficulties
Insomnia
Sleep apnea

The brain stem contains the fibers which connect the brain to the spinal cord
and cerebellum. Strokes within the brain stem may be localized by the pattern
of deficits caused by the interruption of these nerves.

Brain stem strokes are often caused by mechanical obstruction of blood

vessels, which might happen during a high speed chiropractic manipulation of
the neck, or some other event that causes a very forceful neck movement, such
as after a roller coaster ride. Vertigo (spinning) is a common early symptom of
brain stem strokes.
A large stroke in the upper brain stem 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.

Locked-in Syndrome

A condition resulting from interruption of motor pathways in the 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 to the thalamus.

Communication

Communication may be possible by eye gazing (to letters or words on

a Communication Board), by code using blinking (once for yes and twice for
no), or movements of the eyes (staring at objects, people, etc).

A stroke affecting the brain stem is potentially life threatening since this area of
the brain controls functions such as breathing and instructing the heart to
beat. Brain stem stroke may also cause double vision, nausea and loss of
coordination.

Thalamus

The thalamus is a small structure within the brain located just above the brain
stem between the cerebral cortex and the midbrain and has extensive nerve
connections to both.

It works to correlate several important processes, including consciousness,

sleep, and sensory interpretation.

Cranial Nerves

The cranial nerves are composed of twelve pairs of nerves that emanate from
the nervous tissue of the brain.

The function of the cranial nerves is for the most part similar to the spinal
nerves, the nerves that are associated with the spinal cord. Apart from sensory
functions there are also some that work as motor nerves or mixed nerves.