Pharmacological management of muscle spasticity

Muscle spasticity is a neurologic disorder, which is considered one of the positive signs of upper motor neuron diseases. Spasticity is common after brain or spinal cord injury. Since spasticity results in tendon retraction, muscle weakness, pain, ankylosis, and disability in activities of daily living, treatment is warranted.Current Concepts: Spasticity is usually assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale or Modified Tardieu Scale. It is treated with various methods, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthosis, medication, and surgery. Pharmacological management should be selected according to the location and severity of the symptom and includes oral medications, chemical nerve block, and intrathecal baclofen pump insertion. Oral medications include baclofen, benzodiazepine, dantrolene, and tizanidine. Chemoneurolysis of spasticity is done with botulinum toxin or a mixture of phenol and alcohol.Discussion and Conclusion: Since muscle spasticity affects motor function and activities of daily living, understanding of this symptom and choosing an optimal treatment are necessary. Pharmacologic treatments should be administered with caution especially with the side effects. Optimal treatment of spasticity will bring the best neurological outcome for the patients.

Morning Walk® -Assisted Gait Training Improves Walking Ability and Balance in Patients with Ataxia: a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to investigate walking ability and balance improvement of patients with ataxia caused by brain lesions after end-effector type robot (Morning Walk® )-assisted gait training. This study randomly assigned 19 patients to one of two groups: 30 minutes of Morning Walk® training with 1 hour of conventional physiotherapy (Morning Walk® group; n = 10) or 1.5 hours of conventional physiotherapy (Control group; n = 9). Five treatment sessions per week were given for 3 weeks. The primary outcomes were walking ability and balance, which were assessed by the functional ambulation category (FAC) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), respectively. The secondary outcomes included 10-meter Walk Test (10mWT), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), Motricity Index (MI), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). At baseline, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups except MBI. After the treatment, the Morning Walk® group showed significant improvement in the FAC, BBS, 10mWT, RMI and MBI. The control group showed significant improvement in the BBS, 10mWT, RMI and MBI. Inter-group comparison demonstrated that the ∆FAC, ∆10mWT and ∆RMI of the Morning Walk® group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Our results suggest that the patients with ataxia receiving Morning Walk® -assisted gait training might improve greater in walking ability and balance than those trained with conventional physiotherapy.

Clinical Factors Associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis in Rehabilitation Patients Suspected of Thromboembolism after Cerebral Infarction

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between characteristics of cerebral infarction lesion (vascular territory, etiology, and size), functional status and the occurrence of thromboembolism in patients suspected of having thromboembolism in a rehabilitation setting after cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction patients who were suspected of having thromboembolism and who had undergone deep vein thrombosis (DVT) evaluation were included in analyses. Of the total 916 cerebral infarction patients, 65 patients were suspected of having DVT; 27 patients belonged to the DVT group and 38 patients belonged to the non-DVT group. The DVT (+) group was more likely to have a higher ratio of female, previous DVT history, middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction, large arterial disease, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 5, abnormal speech and higher D-dimer. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, female sex, MCA infarction and mRS score 5 were significantly associated with the occurrence of thromboembolism in patients suspected of having thromboembolism. In contrast, other functional status, cerebral infarction etiology (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment [TOAST] classification), and infarct volume were not associated with the occurrence of thromboembolism. In this study, female gender, MCA infarction, and mRS score 5 could be potential risk factors for thromboembolism in rehabilitation patients after cerebral infarction.

Morning Walk® -Assisted Gait Training Improves Walking Ability and Balance in Patients with Ataxia: a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to investigate walking ability and balance improvement of patients with ataxia caused by brain lesions after end-effector type robot (Morning Walk® )-assisted gait training. This study randomly assigned 19 patients to one of two groups: 30 minutes of Morning Walk® training with 1 hour of conventional physiotherapy (Morning Walk® group; n = 10) or 1.5 hours of conventional physiotherapy (Control group; n = 9). Five treatment sessions per week were given for 3 weeks. The primary outcomes were walking ability and balance, which were assessed by the functional ambulation category (FAC) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), respectively. The secondary outcomes included 10-meter Walk Test (10mWT), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), Motricity Index (MI), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). At baseline, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups except MBI. After the treatment, the Morning Walk® group showed significant improvement in the FAC, BBS, 10mWT, RMI and MBI. The control group showed significant improvement in the BBS, 10mWT, RMI and MBI. Inter-group comparison demonstrated that the ∆FAC, ∆10mWT and ∆RMI of the Morning Walk® group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Our results suggest that the patients with ataxia receiving Morning Walk® -assisted gait training might improve greater in walking ability and balance than those trained with conventional physiotherapy.

Clinical Factors Associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis in Rehabilitation Patients Suspected of Thromboembolism after Cerebral Infarction

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between characteristics of cerebral infarction lesion (vascular territory, etiology, and size), functional status and the occurrence of thromboembolism in patients suspected of having thromboembolism in a rehabilitation setting after cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction patients who were suspected of having thromboembolism and who had undergone deep vein thrombosis (DVT) evaluation were included in analyses. Of the total 916 cerebral infarction patients, 65 patients were suspected of having DVT; 27 patients belonged to the DVT group and 38 patients belonged to the non-DVT group. The DVT (+) group was more likely to have a higher ratio of female, previous DVT history, middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction, large arterial disease, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 5, abnormal speech and higher D-dimer. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, female sex, MCA infarction and mRS score 5 were significantly associated with the occurrence of thromboembolism in patients suspected of having thromboembolism. In contrast, other functional status, cerebral infarction etiology (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment [TOAST] classification), and infarct volume were not associated with the occurrence of thromboembolism. In this study, female gender, MCA infarction, and mRS score 5 could be potential risk factors for thromboembolism in rehabilitation patients after cerebral infarction.

Immediate Effects of a Single Exercise on Behavior and Memory in the Early Period of Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate effect of single exercise on physical performance and memory in the early stage of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats. METHODS: Ninety TBI rats were randomly assigned to T0 (sedentary), T10 (treadmill 10 m/min for 30 minutes), or T20 (treadmill 20 m/min for 30 minutes) groups, on day 3 (D3), D7, and D14 after TBI, respectively. Rotarod (RR), Barnes maze (BM), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR spectroscopy were performed immediately before and 6 hours after exercise. Rats were sacrificed for immunohistochemistry with heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). RESULTS: On D3, the T10 and T20 groups demonstrated significant improvement in RR (p < 0.05). On D7, only the T20 group showed significantly enhanced RR (p < 0.05). In BM on D3, the T20 group showed significant deterioration compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). Lesion volume did not significantly differ among the groups. MR spectroscopy on D3 showed that only the T20 group had significantly increased choline/creatine and 0.9/creatine (p < 0.05). In the perilesional area on D3, only T20 had a significantly higher Hsp70 and GFAP than the T0 group. On D7, Hsp70 was significantly higher in the T20 group than in the T0 group (p < 0.05). In the ipsilesional hippocampus on D3, the T20 group showed a significantly higher Hsp70 and GFAP than the T0 group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A single session of low-intensity exercise in the early period of TBI improves behavioral performance without inducing cognitive deficits. However, high-intensity exercise can exacerbate cognitive function in the early period after TBI. Therefore, the optimal timing of rehabilitation and exercise intensity are crucial in behavior and memory recovery after TBI.

Frenkel’s exercise on lower limb sensation and balance in subacute ischemic stroke patients with impaired proprioception

@#Few reliable studies have used standardized outcome measures to examine the effectiveness of sensory interventions to treat somatosensory impairment. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of Frenkel’s exercise for improving lower limb sensation, balance, motor function, functional ambulation, and activities of daily living in subacute ischemic stroke patients with impaired proprioception. Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 14 patients suffering subacute ischemic stroke between 7 to 30 days of onset who showed reduced proprioception in the lower limbs. They were divided into two groups: intervention group (performed Frenkel’s exercise, 15 minutes per day, 15 days over a period of 3 weeks, n=7) and control group (received conventional physical therapy instead, n=7). Outcome measurements included the kinesthetic and light touch sensation subscales of the Nottingham Sensory Assessment (NSA) for the lower limb, the Korean version of the Berg balance scale (K-BBS), the Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC), the Motricity Index (MI), and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). Results: Patients in both groups showed significant improvements on the kinesthetic and tactile sensation subscale of the NSA for the lower limb, the K-BBS, the FAC, and the K-MBI, but not the MI, from baseline to post-intervention at 3 weeks. When compared between the two groups, significant improvements were only seen in the kinesthetic sensation subscale of the NSA for the lower limb and the K-BBS (p<0.05). Conclusions: Frenkel’s exercise improves sensory and balance recovery among subacute ischemic stroke patients with impaired proprioception and minimal lower limb motor weakness.

Effect of Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Patients with Gait Disturbance Caused by Brain Tumor: a Case Series

Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is beneficial in effectively implementing repetitive, high-intensity gait training. Several studies have been conducted in different fields of RAGT; however, only a few have explored such training practices in patients with brain tumors. We conducted RAGT in 3 patients with primary brain tumors. They were treated with 30 minutes of Morning Walk® training, followed by 1 hour of conventional physiotherapy, 5 times a week for 3 weeks. At the end of RAGT, the outcomes revealed improved scores in all 3 patients on several assessments, such as the 10-meter walk test, Modified Barthel Index, Rivermead Mobility Index, Berg Balance Scale, and Karnofsky Performance Status Scale. However, the level of fatigue (Brief Fatigue Index) increased in all the patients. RAGT accompanied with conventional physiotherapy is beneficial for gait speed, mobility, and functional ambulation, but the level of fatigue is deteriorated at the same time in patients with brain tumors. The time, intensity, and protocol of RAGT accompanied with conventional physiotherapy need to be tailored to the level of fatigue expressed by patients with brain tumors to improving gait disturbances effectively.

Adult-onset Still's Disease as the First Manifestation of Cerebral Infarction: a Case Report

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic febrile disorder of unknown etiology. AOSD is characterized by spiking fever, arthralgia, sore throat, skin rash, and multi-organ involvement but is difficult to diagnose due to the lack of specific clinical features. AOSD is most frequently observed among young adults. We describe the case of an 18-year-old male patient with multiple cerebral infarction who was diagnosed with AOSD based on the clinical features observed during rehabilitation treatment after the diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Clinical symptoms of the patient was controlled with steroid therapy. If cerebral infarction is accompanied by unusual clinical features as non-infectious fever, rash, and arthralgia, AOSD should be considered in young stroke patient.

Evidence-based guidelines for fall prevention in Korea

Falls and fall-related injuries are common in older populations and have negative effects on quality of life and independence. Falling is also associated with increased morbidity, mortality, nursing home admission, and medical costs. Korea has experienced an extreme demographic shift with its population aging at the fastest pace among developed countries, so it is important to assess fall risks and develop interventions for high-risk populations. Guidelines for the prevention of falls were first developed by the Korean Association of Internal Medicine and the Korean Geriatrics Society. These guidelines were developed through an adaptation process as an evidence-based method; four guidelines were retrieved via systematic review and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II process, and seven recommendations were developed based on the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. Because falls are the result of various factors, the guidelines include a multidimensional assessment and multimodal strategy. The guidelines were developed for primary physicians as well as patients and the general population. They provide detailed recommendations and concrete measures to assess risk and prevent falls among older people.

Evidence-Based Guideline for Fall Prevention in Korea

Falls and fall-related injuries are common amongst the elderly population and have deleterious effects on the quality of life or independence in daily living in the elderly. Falling is also associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, nursing home admission, and an increase in medical costs. Given that Korea has shown an extreme demographic shift with its population aging at the fastest pace among developed countries, assessment of fall risks and implementing intervention strategies to the high-risk population are getting more important. The guidelines for the prevention of falls were developed first by The Korean Association of Internal Medicine and The Korean Geriatric Society. These guidelines were developed by an adaptation process and the use of an evidence-based method; 4 guidelines were retrieved by systematic review and by the AGREE (appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation) II process and 7 statements were made based on the grading of evidence, and these recommendations followed the GRADE (grades of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation) framework. Given that falls result from a various combination of many factors, the guidelines contain multidimensional assessment measures and multimodal strategies to prevent falls. These guidelines were developed not only for use by primary physicians but also for patients and the general population. Therefore, these guidelines provide detailed recommendations and concrete measures for the assessment of the risk of a fall and to prevent falls amongst the elderly population.

The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Neglect Syndrome in Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) improves visuospatial attention in stroke patients with left visuospatial neglect. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: anodal tDCS over the right PPC, cathodal tDCS over the left PPC, or sham tDCS. Each patient underwent 15 sessions of tDCS (5 sessions per week for 3 weeks; 2 mA for 30 minutes in each session). Outcome measures were assessed before treatment and 1 week after completing the treatment. RESULTS: From pre- to post-treatment, there was an improvement in the motor-free visual perception test (MVPT), line bisection test (LBT), star cancellation test (SCT), Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS), Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), and Functional Ambulation Classification in all 3 groups. Improvements in the MVPT, SCT, and LBT were greater in the anodal and cathodal groups than in the sham group. However, improvements in other outcomes were not significantly different between the 3 groups, although there was a tendency for improved CBS or K-MBI scores in the anodal and cathodal groups, as compared with the sham group. CONCLUSION: The study results indicated that the facilitatory effect of anodal tDCS applied over the right PPC, and the inhibitory effect of cathodal tDCS applied over the left PPC, improved symptoms of visuospatial neglect. Thus, tDCS could be a successful adjuvant therapeutic modality to recover neglect symptom, but this recovery might not lead to improvements in activities of daily living function and gait function.

The Additive Effects of Core Muscle Strengthening and Trunk NMES on Trunk Balance in Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate an additive effect of core muscle strengthening (CMS) and trunk neuromuscular electrical stimulation (tNEMS) on trunk balance in stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with acute or subacute stroke who were unable to maintain static sitting balance for >5 minutes were enrolled and randomly assigned to 3 groups, i.e., patients in the CMS (n=10) group received additional CMS program; the tNMES group (n=10) received additional tNMES over the posterior back muscles; and the combination (CMS and tNMES) group (n=10) received both treatments. Each additional treatment was performed 3 times per week for 20 minutes per day over 3 weeks. Korean version of Berg Balance Scale (K-BBS), total score of postural assessment scale for stroke patients (PASS), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) were evaluated before and after 3 weeks of therapeutic intervention. RESULTS: All 3 groups showed improvements in K-BBS, PASS, TIS, and K-MBI after therapeutic interventions, with some differences. The combination group showed more improvements in K-BBS and the dynamic sitting balance of TIS, as compared to the CMS group; and more improvement in K-BBS, as compared to the tNMES group. CONCLUSION: The results indicated an additive effect of CMS and tNMES on the recovery of trunk balance in patients with acute or subacute stroke who have poor sitting balance. Simultaneous application of CMS and tNMES should be considered when designing a rehabilitation program to improve trunk balance in stroke patients.

Prediction of Functional Outcome in Axonal Guillain-Barre Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors that could predict the functional outcome in patients with the axonal type of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). METHODS: Two hundred and two GBS patients admitted to our university hospital between 2003 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. We defined a good outcome as being "able to walk independently at 1 month after onset" and a poor outcome as being "unable to walk independently at 1 month after onset". We evaluated the factors that differed between the good and poor outcome groups. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were classified into the acute motor axonal neuropathy type. There was a statistically significant difference between the good and poor outcome groups in terms of the GBS disability score at admission, and GBS disability score and Medical Research Council sum score at 1 month after admission. In an electrophysiologic analysis, the good outcome group showed greater amplitude of median, ulnar, deep peroneal, and posterior tibial nerve compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) and greater amplitude of median, ulnar, and superficial peroneal sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) than the poor outcome group. CONCLUSION: A lower GBS disability score at admission, high amplitude of median, ulnar, deep peroneal, and posterior tibial CMAPs, and high amplitude of median, ulnar, and superficial peroneal SNAPs were associated with being able to walk at 1 month in patients with axonal GBS.

Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Behavioral Recovery during Early Stage of Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising technique that modulates neural networks. However, there were few studies evaluating the effects of rTMS in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Herein, we assessed the effectiveness of rTMS on behavioral recovery and metabolic changes using brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in a rat model of TBI. We also evaluated the safety of rTMS by measuring brain swelling with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent lateral fluid percussion and were randomly assigned to the sham (n=10) or the rTMS (n=10) group. rTMS was applied on the fourth day after TBI and consisted of 10 daily sessions for 2 weeks with 10 Hz frequency (total pulses=3,000). Although the rTMS group showed an anti-apoptotic effect around the peri-lesional area, functional improvements were not significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, rTMS did not modulate brain metabolites in MRS, nor was there any change of brain lesion or edema after magnetic stimulation. These data suggest that rTMS did not have beneficial effects on motor recovery during early stages of TBI, although an anti-apoptosis was observed in the peri-lesional area.

Sleep Disorders after Stroke

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and sleep-wake disorders (SWD) are frequent after stroke. Not only brain damage per se but also the consequences of stroke (immobilization, pain, hypoxia, depression etc) affect sleep wake cycle and breathing control. SDB and SWDs have a negative effect on rehabilitation outcome and quality of life after stroke. A high suspicion may lead to a diagnosis and subsequent treatment of sleep disorders after stroke and contribute to rehabilitation of these patients. This article summarizes the knowledge about the role of SDB and SWD after stroke, reviewing clinical characteristics, clinical outcome after stroke, diagnosis and treatment of various sleep disturbances.

Evidence-based Guideline for Fall Prevention in Korea / 대한내과학회지

Falls and fall-related injuries are common in older population and have deleterious effects to the quality of life or independence of daily living in the elderly. Falling is also associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, nursing home admission and the increase of medical costs. Because Korea has shown extreme demographic shift with its population aging at the fastest pace among developed country, assessment of fall risks and intervention to high risk population are getting more important. The guideline for prevention of falls was developed first by The Korean Association of Internal Medicine and The Korean Geriatric Society. This guideline was developed by adaptation process as evidence-based method; four guidelines were retrieved by systematic review and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II process, seven statements were made with the grading of evidence and recommendations followed the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. Because falls result from various combinations of many factors, the guideline contains multidimensional assessment and multimodal strategy to prevent falls. This guideline was developed for not only primary physician but also patients and general population, therefore it provides detailed recommendations and concrete measures to assess the risk and prevent falls in older people.

Assessment of Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Complain of Neurologic Symptoms

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) having neuropathic symptoms, and to investigate the relationship between electrophysiological findings of peripheral neuropathy and clinical findings of RA. METHODS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of RA and who had tingling or burning sensation in any extremity were electrophysiologically examined for evidence of peripheral neuropathy. Study parameters, including age, gender, laboratory parameters, duration of RA, and medication, were recorded. The symptoms and signs of neuropathy were quantified with the neuropathy symptom score, and the functional statuses of these patients were assessed. RESULTS: Out of a total of 30 RA patients, 10 (33%) had peripheral neuropathy: 2 had bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), 5 had unilateral CTS, 1 had sensory polyneuropathy, and 2 had motor-sensory polyneuropathy. The mean ages of the patients with and without peripheral neuropathy were 69.4 and 56.5 years, respectively (p<0.05). A significant relationship was found between peripheral neuropathy and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody. However, no relationship was found between peripheral neuropathy and the type of medication, RA duration, the patients' functional status, neuropathic symptoms, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values. CONCLUSION: Neuropathic symptoms are common in RA patients, and it is difficult to distinguish peripheral neuropathy symptoms from those of arthritis. Patients with RA, particularly elderly patients and anti-CCP antibody positive patients who complain of neuropathic symptoms should undergo electrophysiological examination.

Assessment of Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Complain of Neurologic Symptoms

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) having neuropathic symptoms, and to investigate the relationship between electrophysiological findings of peripheral neuropathy and clinical findings of RA. METHODS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of RA and who had tingling or burning sensation in any extremity were electrophysiologically examined for evidence of peripheral neuropathy. Study parameters, including age, gender, laboratory parameters, duration of RA, and medication, were recorded. The symptoms and signs of neuropathy were quantified with the neuropathy symptom score, and the functional statuses of these patients were assessed. RESULTS: Out of a total of 30 RA patients, 10 (33%) had peripheral neuropathy: 2 had bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), 5 had unilateral CTS, 1 had sensory polyneuropathy, and 2 had motor-sensory polyneuropathy. The mean ages of the patients with and without peripheral neuropathy were 69.4 and 56.5 years, respectively (p<0.05). A significant relationship was found between peripheral neuropathy and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody. However, no relationship was found between peripheral neuropathy and the type of medication, RA duration, the patients' functional status, neuropathic symptoms, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values. CONCLUSION: Neuropathic symptoms are common in RA patients, and it is difficult to distinguish peripheral neuropathy symptoms from those of arthritis. Patients with RA, particularly elderly patients and anti-CCP antibody positive patients who complain of neuropathic symptoms should undergo electrophysiological examination.

Functional Neuroanatomy of Brain Stem

The brain stem consists of medulla oblongta, pons and midbrain. It is sited in posterior cranial fossa. It contains numerous intrinsic neuron cell bodies and their processes, some of which are the brain stem homologues of spinal neuronal groups. These include the sites of termination and cells of origin of axons that enter or leave the brain stem through the cranial nerves. Cranial nerves provide sensory, motor and autonomic innervations of structures that are mostly in the head and neck. The reticular formation is an extensive network of neurons that extends throughout the length of brain stem and is continuous rostrally to diencephalon and caudally to its spinal counterpart. Clinically, damage to the brain stem is often devastating and life threatening. This is because it is a structurally and functionally compact region. Therefore, it is important to build basic knowledge about neuroanatomy of brain stem.