Normally does a brainstem stroke victim get back his balance? My husband had a stroke Sept 16, 2010. He has had intense rehab 3 days a week 7 hrs long and then also rehabs on his own every day. They cannot tell us why this happened to him. He is very healthy, ran 32 marathons and was never diagnosed with high cholesterol or anything else. He now has central sleep apnea , balance and swallow issues. They said he has Ondines Curse. He truly has come a long way since Sept 16, 2010 but still has a long way to go.