The effects of brain stem stroke on communication and swallowing.

A brain stem stroke frequently results in impairment of speech and/or swallowing. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, depending on the location and extent of the stroke. This article describes the brain stem's role in communication and swallowing, as well as evaluation and treatment of disorders caused by brain stem stroke. A number of brain stem syndromes that commonly impair speech and swallowing, including Wallenberg's syndrome and locked-in syndrome, are also discussed.