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A stroke affecting the brain stem is potentially life threatening since this area of the brain controls functions such as breathing and instructing the heart to beat. Brain stem stroke may also cause double vision, nausea and loss of coordination. The brain stem also controls less essential abilities such as articulate speech.

Review Date: 4/15/2001 12:00:00 AM Reviewed By: Galit Kleiner-Fisman, M.D., Department of Neurology, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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