Posted on Brain Injury Blog / Blog / What is the Human Brain Stem?

Knowing The Brain Is A Good Thing!

Damage to any part of the human brain can have severe effects on the severely injured accident victim’s future. Mostly when you or your loved one’s fragile brain stem is hurt, your lives will take a turn for the worse. This vital piece of the brain’s location starts where your spinal cord meets the rest of the brain, controlling your voluntary functions, including your fine motor control and facial muscles.

The delicate brain stem also controls needed automatic functions, including a person’s heartbeat, digestion, and breathing. Due to the stem’s role as the central passage between the cerebral cortex and the body, injuries are often debilitating and life-threatening.

The Composition Of The Human Brain Stem And Damage Outcomes

The brain stem is composed of several parts.

These parts include the:

• Pons
• Medulla oblongata
• Midbrain

Injuries to any of these areas can affect the rest of the body. Damage due to swelling or similar injury could lead to severe blood issues, including stroke or hemorrhaging. Also, it could cause long-term problems. These include problems with motor control, breathing, or even speaking.

In other cases, such damage can cause severe shifts in personality or even loss of memory. Furthermore, brain stem damage can lead to fainting, coma, and in some cases, paralysis. Some brain stem injury victims have been bedridden or in comas for the remainder of their lives. There are also long-term issues caused by such damage that can lead to sudden death.

• Trends in Treating Brain Stem Injuries

Modern science has made strides to treat such injuries. But brain stem injuries remain decades away from active treatment. Common causes of such an injury include car and motorcycle accidents. There can also be similar injuries due to high falls and work accidents.

These injuries can be especially severe and more likely for children.

• Brain stem injuries can arise from contact sports such as football, recreational activities like skateboarding, and even horseback riding.

All Brain Injuries Carry Risk

No matter what the cause, the effects of a brain are almost always severe. Most people suffering from brain stem injuries have extended periods of therapy and hospital care. Such specialized care remains expensive, and the costs of care can bankrupt an entire family.

Such injuries can also lead to unexpected deaths and add a physical burden to the household. Those who suffer from these accidents can lose their jobs, and their family cannot make up for their income.

• Speak To A Real, Serious Injury Lawyer Today!

Ehline Law’s offices up and down the state stand ready to hear from you. Our exceptional lawyers accept calls and emails 24/7 and are available for a free, no-pressure consultation and to discuss your options. Our helpful staff is happy to visit anywhere in California to discuss the case. We work on contingency, which means we don’t ask for a penny unless we recover for you. Contact our exceptional Los Angeles personal injury lawyers to learn more information (213) 596-9642.