By: Marian LiwanenTHE BRAIN STEM

The brainstem connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord.

It is sometimes called “the reptilian brain” and is the oldest and most basic region of the brain.

THE BRAIN STEM

It controls breathing and heart beat and manages sleeping and waking, digestion, body temperature and excretion.

It is made of three parts; Midbrains, Pons and Medulla Oblongata.

THE BRAIN STEM

Midbrains: It is involved in functions such as vision, hearing, eye movement and body movement.

Pons:It is involved in motor control and sensory analysis.

Information from the ears enters the pons first.

THE PARTS OF THE BRAIN STEM

It has parts that are important for the level of consciousness and for sleep.

Medulla Oblongata:It is located between the pons and spinal cord.

It is responsible for maintaining vital body functions such as breathing and heart rate

THE PARTS OF THE BRAIN STEM

Injury to the brain stem is a serious issue and can lead to permanent damage.

Basic body functions such as breathing and heart beat can get disrupted.

Trauma or swelling in the brain are common causes of brain stem injuries.

INJURY TO THE BRAIN STEM

When the brain swells, it leads to the compression of the brain stem which damages it.

Symptoms include:Difficulty in swallowing food and water InsomniaDifficulty in breathing and speechFeeling of nausea and dizzinessDifficulty in balance and movement

INJURY TO THE BRAIN STEM

If the injury is caused by trauma, the damage caused is more severe and permanent.

These include:Loss of consciousnessLoss or change of memoryParalysis

INJURY TO THE BRAIN STEM

Paralysis can occur because the brain stem connects the spinal cord and the cerebrum.

Hence damage to the brain stem can affect the spinal cord.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can diagnose wether or not the paralysis was due to brain stem injury.

INJURY TO THE BRAIN STEM

Severe injury can also cause sudden cardiac arrest or respiratory disorder.

Brain stem injury is a very fatal health condition that can change one’s memories and even personality.

INJURY TO THE BRAIN STEM