What Effect Does a Thalamic Stroke Have on the Brain?
The thalamus is a major relay center in the brain, and is responsible for regulating sleeping and waking states. Located between the cerebral cortex and midbrain, it relays motor signals to the cerebral cortex. Located on the midline, there is a thalamus on each side of the brain. Thalamic strokes are caused by the blood flow to the brain stopping suddenly. Within a few minutes of the stroke, brain cells begin to die, thus effecting the thalamus’s normal function. Severe damage to the thalamus can lead to a coma.
