A patient with damage to the brainstem might exhibit which of the following signs?

Damage to the brainstem can have profound effects on vital functions and bodily control. The brainstem is responsible for regulating many automatic processes, including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Therefore, when there is damage to this area, one of the key signs that may be exhibited is abnormal respirations. This could manifest as irregular breathing patterns, periods of apnea, or altered respiratory rate and depth, reflecting the disruption of neural pathways that control these functions.

While loss of balance may suggest issues with the brain or cerebellum, and headaches usually indicate other types of brain injury or dysfunction, they are not direct consequences of brainstem damage. Increased reflexes typically point to spinal cord issues or certain neurological conditions, rather than being a primary indication of brainstem injury. Understanding the specific roles of the brainstem highlights why abnormal respirations are a hallmark sign of its compromise.