Brainstem Disorders

Nerves control all the functions of our body. However, these nerves can get damaged due to an injury or chronic illness such as diabetes. Neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves and affects one's ability to move. The location of the damaged nerves determines the effect on the body's movement. When the brain or brainstem nerves are affected, it is called cranial neuropathy. At Aster Hospitals, we are equipped with the latest technology to provide the best treatment to our patients. Brainstem disorders can be debilitating for many people.

Cranial nerves are the ones that arise from the brain or brainstem and affect areas like the face and eyes. The different types of cranial neuropathies include:

• Bell's palsy

In this condition, the seventh cranial nerve is affected. There is a sudden episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis. The onset is quick and worsens over 48 hours.

• Microvascular cranial nerve palsy

This is a condition in which the nerves of the eyes are affected. It is generally seen in people who have diabetes and in people who have uncontrolled blood pressure levels.

• Third nerve palsy

This cranial nerve abnormality affects the nerve that controls the eye's movement.

• Fourth nerve palsy

Also known as superior oblique palsy, it affects the superior oblique muscle. Thereby, it affects the person's ability to converge.

• Sixth nerve palsy

It is also known as abducens nerve palsy. It affects the sixth nerve, which controls the lateral rectus of the eye.

Brainstem disorders can occur due to multiple reasons. Some of them are:

• Bell's palsy is caused by a virus that affects the facial nerve.
• Microvascular cranial nerve palsy can develop in people who have high blood pressure.
• Some children are born with third nerve palsy. This can occur in patients who had a head injury or an infection. Any disorder that affects the brain, like an aneurysm or brain tumor, may cause third nerve palsy. Diabetes and migraines are other possible causes.
• Fourth, nerve palsy is a congenital disability. But it can also occur in the case of head injury, stroke, or tumor.
• Sixth, nerve palsy can occur due to infection, stroke, or tumor, increased intracranial pressure in the brain, and even migraines.

The symptoms caused by brainstem disorders depend on where the nerves are damaged and the muscles supplied by them. Neuropathies cause pain, tingling sensation, numbness, skin sensitivity to touch, and weak muscles. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Pain: Pain is one of the most critical symptoms experienced by people with cranial neuropathies. The severity of the pain depends on the severity of the case. Patients usually feel discomfort while touching their face. The intensity of pain depends on the tolerance level of the patient.
• Some people may experience a tingling sensation in the nerves. The brain fails to transmit signals through the nerves to various body parts.
• Paralysis of muscles: Paralysis of the muscles of the face is another symptom of cranial nerve damage. The affected individual may experience symptoms such as drooling, jaw dropping on one side, or slurred speech.
• Vision loss: Cranial nerve disorders can also affect a person's vision. Patients may complain of double vision, droopy eyelids, or dilated pupils.
• Weakness of muscles: Weakness or paralysis of muscles of the face or other affected areas may be noticed.
• Dizziness: Some people may experience disbalance, instability, or spinning due to cranial neuropathy.
• Changes in taste and smell: One may experience loss of taste and smell sensation due to certain cranial nerve disorders.

A healthcare provider usually recommends a series of tests to diagnose neuropathy. These tests include:

• Neurological examination includes testing the sensation, reflexes, balance, and mental status.
• Electromyography measures the electrical activity generated in the muscles at rest and when they are working.
• Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging tests help to detect the presence and extent of intracranial space-occupying lesions of the brain.
• Nerve conduction velocity tests can help diagnose where the nerve is damaged.
• Biopsies of the nerve and skin help to diagnose the severity of nerve damage.
• Hearing tests to examine the auditory nerve.

Most neuropathies get better without any treatment. Sometimes, medicines may be prescribed to treat infection, thus reducing inflammation around the nerve. For certain types of neuropathies, surgery may help. However, there are certain conditions when the damage to the nerve can not be treated or repaired. Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes should be controlled to treat neuropathy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious food, avoiding smoking, and limiting the intake of alcohol can help manage neuropathy.

Although cranial neuropathy cannot be prevented, controlling the common causes of cranial neuropathy can reduce the risk of developing neuropathy. Reducing the risk factors for stroke and head injury, managing diabetes, and lowering blood pressure can help prevent neuropathy.

Brainstem disorders are usually not dangerous and get better with time. The best strategy to manage cranial nerve abnormality is to manage the possible causes. If the symptoms do not go away independently, one may need physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other options.

Health Conditions Treated

• Bell's palsy
• Microvascular cranial nerve palsy
• Sixth nerve palsy
• Third nerve palsy
• Fourth nerve palsy.