1)They are the pons, midbrain and medulla oblongata. When an injury occurs to any or all of these three areas, the consequences can be devastating. Heartbeat and breathing can cease, causing death. The brain-stem can become compressed due to swelling, leading to hemorrhaging and stroke.
2)A spinal cord injury — damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal (cauda equina) — often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury.