1. By: Marian Liwanen THE BRAIN STEM

2.  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

3.  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

4.  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

5.  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

6.  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

7.  When the brain swells, it leads to the compression of the brain stem which damages it.  Symptoms include:  Difficulty in swallowing food and water  Insomnia  Difficulty in breathing and speech  Feeling of nausea and dizziness  Difficulty in balance and movement INJURY TO THE BRAIN STEM

8.  If the injury is caused by trauma, the damage caused is more severe and permanent.  These include:  Loss of consciousness  Loss or change of memory  Paralysis INJURY TO THE BRAIN STEM

9.  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

10.  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