red nucleus is the structure of the brain stem that is primarily related to alertness.
red nucleus is the structure of the brain stem that is primarily related to alertness.
which structure of the brain stem is primarily related to alertness?
red nucleus
normally, stupor and coma are produced by interference with the brain stem, such as can be caused by a lesion or indirect effects, such as brain herniation. mass lesions in the brain stem normally cause coma due to their effects on the reticular formation. mass lesions that occur above the tentorium cerebelli (pictured) normally do not significantly alter the level of consciousness unless they are very large or affect both cerebral hemispheres.









































section::::diagnostic approach.
altered level of consciousness
brain stem tumor









































a brain stem tumor is a tumor in the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord (the brain stem).









































section::::symptoms.









































the symptoms of brain stem tumors vary greatly and can include ataxia, cranial nerve palsy, headaches, problems with speech and swallowing, hearing loss, weakness, hemiparesis, vision abnormalities, ptosis, and behavioral changes. another possible symptom is vomiting. headaches related to brainstem tumors may be worse shortly after waking up in the morning.









































section::::diagnosis.









































an mri is better than a ct scan when a brainstem tumor is in the differential diagnosis.









































section::::diagnosis.:types of brain stem tumors.
brain stem tumor