Is the diaphragm affected by a stroke?

Yes, a stroke can affect the diaphragm, particularly if it impacts the areas of the brain that control breathing and respiratory muscles. The diaphragm is primarily innervated by the phrenic nerve, which originates in the cervical spinal cord. If a stroke leads to neurological deficits or paralysis that affect nerve pathways, it can impair diaphragm function, resulting in respiratory difficulties. However, the extent of this effect varies depending on the location and severity of the stroke.