The difference between stroke and cerebral infarction

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on March 20, 2025
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Stroke includes ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke refers to cerebral infarction, while hemorrhagic stroke refers to cerebral hemorrhage. Symptoms such as limb weakness, slurred speech, or other neurological deficits should initially suggest the possibility of a stroke. Whether it is an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke may be related to the symptoms, but a CT scan is essential. If a CT scan rules out cerebral hemorrhage, then cerebral infarction is more likely. The treatment varies with time; within 4.5 hours, if the conditions for thrombolytic therapy are met and there are no contraindications, and the relatives have signed an informed consent, thrombolytic treatment can be administered. If this time window is exceeded, this opportunity is lost, so it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately upon symptom onset.

Other Voices

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Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
28sec home-news-image

Does lacunar infarction belong to ischemic stroke?

Lacunar infarction is a type of ischemic stroke, which can be simply explained as the blockage of small blood vessels. It generally belongs to one of the categories of ischemic strokes, which also include large vessel blockage and cerebral embolism. Lacunar infarction specifically refers to blockages in small blood vessels, and this type of stroke primarily occurs due to these small vessel blockages, and it is known as lacunar infarction.

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Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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Rehabilitation Treatment Plan for Stroke

The rehabilitation treatment plan for stroke involves rehabilitation physicians and therapists who, through comprehensive assessment of the patient's overall medical condition and functional impairments, develop individualized plans. These plans focus primarily on the patient's functional impairments, and accordingly, design treatments for movement, speech, swallowing, and attention to promote the patient's overall rehabilitation and improve their ability to perform daily activities independently. Common rehabilitation treatment options include not only medication but also occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, psychological support, and traditional rehabilitation methods. Through these personalized and comprehensive rehabilitation treatments, the aim is to facilitate the patient's early recovery, allowing them to return to their family and work environment sooner.

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Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
26sec home-news-image

Is lacunar infarction considered a stroke?

Lacunar stroke is a type of stroke, mainly characterized by the blockage of small blood vessels, comprising 21 syndromes. There are motor types, sensory types, mixed types, as well as those combined with speech disorders, swallowing disorders, and unstable walking. If it progresses to become severe or worsens, it can also include dementia and significant cognitive impairment, all of which fall under the category of stroke.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can a stroke be cured?

Stroke is mainly divided into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke, also known as cerebral thrombosis, can benefit many patients if they can reach a hospital quickly and receive intravenous thrombolysis within the time window, such as within 4.5 hours, leaving them with only mild neurological deficits followed by proper rehabilitation training. Some patients can be cured. However, if the stroke is severe from the onset, resulting in complete paralysis or even consciousness disorders such as drowsiness, stupor, or coma, the treatment outcomes can be significantly less effective, potentially leaving some degree of disability. Generally speaking, whether a stroke can be cured depends closely on the initial severity of the stroke, the overall condition of the patient, and the timeliness of the treatment. Some conscious patients who receive timely treatment can be cured, whereas those with severe conditions typically suffer from long-term complications.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Post-stroke depression

Recent studies have confirmed that in addition to language dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and motor dysfunction, stroke patients also exhibit many signs of depression. According to guidelines published in China in 2016, about 33% of stroke patients experience post-stroke depression, which is a very high proportion. The main symptoms of post-stroke depression include a lack of interest in anything, unwillingness to communicate with others, being quiet and reticent, non-compliance with medication, and non-cooperation with rehabilitation training. Post-stroke depression significantly affects the recovery of patients and their future quality of life. Some patients may even turn to suicide due to depression. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to depression after a stroke, as the incidence rate of post-stroke depression is very high, reaching up to 33%. Clinicians must carefully identify it, and family members of patients must be attentive in their care.