About Brainstem Strokes
Key Highlights
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Immediate, specialized care from a neurologist to preserve vital brainstem functions.Advanced imaging (MRI/CT) allows for rapid and precise diagnosis.Treatment options like thrombolysis or thrombectomy can restore blood flow and limit damage.Comprehensive management plan to address critical functions like breathing and swallowing.Integrated approach with rehabilitation specialists to maximize recovery potential.
Who is this surgery for?
- Sudden onset of severe vertigo, dizziness, or loss of balance.
- Double vision, slurred speech, or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body or face.
- Severe headache, often described as "the worst headache of my life" (indicative of hemorrhage).
- Altered consciousness, confusion, or coma.
- Abnormal eye movements or pupil irregularities.
How to prepare
- Immediate emergency transport to a hospital with a stroke unit is the first critical step.
- Neurologist will conduct a rapid neurological examination upon arrival.
- Urgent blood tests to check clotting factors and overall health.
- Immediate imaging, typically a non-contrast CT scan, to determine stroke type (ischemic or hemorrhagic).
- For potential thrombolysis, review of medical history for contraindications (e.g., recent surgery, bleeding disorders).
Risks & possible complications
- Permanent neurological deficits, including paralysis, speech difficulties, or locked-in syndrome.
- Life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmias, or pneumonia.
- Bleeding risks associated with thrombolytic (clot-busting) drugs.
- Risk of recurrent stroke.
- Long-term disability requiring extensive rehabilitation and care.
- Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) leading to aspiration and lung infections.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial stabilization in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or stroke unit to monitor vital functions.
- Early involvement of physical, occupational, and speech therapists for rehabilitation.
- Management of swallowing difficulties, possibly with a temporary feeding tube.
- Medications to prevent another stroke, such as antiplatelets or anticoagulants.
- Long-term, personalized rehabilitation plan which may continue for months or years to regain function.
- Regular follow-up with the neurologist to monitor progress and adjust treatment.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-21 days
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Expected recovery time: 6 months to several years
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering brainstem strokes in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for brainstem strokes in India include Medanta The Medicity, Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform brainstem strokes. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for brainstem strokes compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Brainstem Strokes in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing brainstem strokes.
Had my gallbladder out last week....
Had my gallbladder out last week. The surgery itself was fine, but the first two days after were rough. Dr. Madhumitha was really on top of my pain meds, adjusting them a few times until it was manageable. She checked on me every morning and evening at MGM, which helped a lot. I'm home now and the recovery is going okay, just taking it slow.
Neurologists for Brainstem Strokes
Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform brainstem strokes and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal
- 23 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur
- 7 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada
- 7 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Baner
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 34 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Goa
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram
- 16 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 16 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 6 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Baner
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 36 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar