Could you tell me about a rare type of stroke called pons stroke?
My mother has had a pons infarct and no-one can give her any information because it's so rare.
She has asked me to help, but I've searched online to no avail.
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's stroke.
I think pons stroke is a difficult term to find on a search because it often seems to be categorised within the more general descriptions of brainstem or vertebrobasilar stroke.
The pons is part of the brainstem. It's the lowest part of the brain that connects to the top end of the spinal cord. It's an important and densely packed area.
The pons contains many bundles of nerves that carry movement and sensory messages between the brain and the body.
It also acts as a junction box for all the nerves employed in coordinating movement and balance within the head, neck and body.
Because there are so many important structures within the brainstem, one small area of damage due to stroke can have wide-ranging consequences.
The exact symptoms depend on which biological 'electrical circuits' and junctions lose their blood supply.
This depends on which of the small blood vessels in the area (branches of the vertebrobasilar circulation) becomes blocked.
The symptoms can include:
- difficulties with balance (ataxia)
- dizziness due to vertigo
- uncoordinated eye movements
- problems with swallowing and articulating words
- weakness in one half of the body.
It's not uncommon for people who've had this sort of stroke to feel sick (nauseous) as part of the loss of balance.
Recovery depends on the extent and severity of the initial stroke.
You need to discuss the outlook with the doctors who have investigated your mother's condition.
The NetDoctor Medical Team
Other Qs & As