Brain Stem
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The brain stem plays a vital role in basic attention, arousal, and consciousness. All
information to and from our body passes through the brain stem on the way to or from
our brain. Like the frontal and temporal lobes, the brain stem is located in an area
near bony protrusions making it vulnerable to damage during trauma.
Functions
- Breathing
- Heart Rate
- Swallowing
- Reflexes to seeing and hearing (Startling Response)
- Controls sweating, blood pressure, digestion, temperature (Automatic Nervous System)
- Affects level of alertness
- Ability to sleep
- Sense of balance (Vestibular Function)
Observed Problems
- Decreased vital capacity in breathing, important for speech
- Swallowing food and water (Dysphasia)
- Difficulty with organization/perception of the environment
- Problems with balance and movement
- Dizziness and nausea (Vertigo)
- Sleeping difficulties (insomnia, sleep apnea)