Strokes

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…though rare, will cause paralysis in the opposite leg. Obstructions in the posterior cerebral region are mainly associated with vision deficits. The most serious ischemic stroke, that which occurs in the basilar artery will often result in coma and death as the blood from this artery supplies the brain stem which is responsible for many of the life sustaining involuntary function such as heart rate and breathing. Paralysis of the swallowing muscles may also occur.