Brainstem function

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Brainstem function

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

Review Date: 12/26/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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