Brainstem bleeding is a sudden burst artery deep in the bridge between brain and spine. Because this area runs breathing, eye move, and face power, even a pea-size bleed strikes like lightning and can grow fast.
The first blow is an instant thunderclap headache felt at the back of the head. People call it “the worst kick ever” and it often brings vomiting that shoots out without warning.
Both eyes go weird together. The pupils may shrink to pin-points, become unequal, or bounce side-to-side. Trying to look left leaves one eye stuck in the middle.
Face and tongue drop on both sides at once. The person cannot smile, speak clearly, or swallow their own spit. A gurgle sound appears with each breath.
Arm and leg strength leave together, often on the same side or both sides at once. The limbs feel heavy like cement, and the person slides out of a chair even while awake.
Body temperature and breathing swing wildly. Sweat pours off the skin, breathing flips from fast to slow, and the heart may race to 150 then drop to 40 within minutes.
| Area | What You See | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Sudden back-of-head smash | Ask “worst ever?” |
| Eyes | Pin-point pupils, can’t look left | Flashlight gaze test |
| Face | No smile, gurgle speech, drooling | “Stick out tongue” |
| Arms | Cement heavy, slide off bed | Lift both arms |
| Legs | Can’t stand, buckle under | Try one step |
| Breath | Fast-slow flip, loud gurgle | Count breaths 15 sec |