The difference between stroke and cerebral infarction

Written by Liu Yan Hao

Neurology

Updated on February 03, 2025

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The difference between stroke and cerebral infarction lies in the scope of stroke, which is broader and includes cerebral infarction. Stroke is divided into hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Common types of hemorrhagic stroke include cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Common types of ischemic stroke include cerebral infarction and cerebral thrombosis. Thus, the scope of stroke is relatively large and includes cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction occurs when a blockage in the cerebral blood vessels leads to ischemia, edema, and necrosis of the brain tissue in the supplied area, resulting in symptoms of stroke. Additionally, cerebral embolism occurs when an embolus from another part of the body detaches and blocks a brain artery, causing ischemia and necrosis of the brain tissue in the supplied area, also leading to stroke.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 20sec

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What medicine is used for stroke?

Stroke primarily refers to cerebrovascular disease, which is divided into two main categories. The first category is hemorrhagic stroke, including cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and other diseases. The second category is ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, including cerebral thrombosis, cerebral embolism, and other diseases. Thus, although both categories are classified as stroke, the medications used are different. For cerebral hemorrhage, the patient needs to rest in bed and must strictly control blood pressure, primarily using medications that strictly control blood pressure. There are no special oral medications, but intravenous medications can be given to protect brain nerves. If intracranial pressure is high, some dehydrating and intracranial pressure-reducing medications can be administered. For ischemic stroke, such as cerebral thrombosis, it is crucial to get to the hospital quickly. If it is within the thrombolytic time window, intravenous thrombolytic drugs can be administered for treatment, from which many patients may benefit. Additionally, it is necessary to take long-term medications that prevent platelet aggregation and regulate blood lipids, as well as stabilize arterial atherosclerotic plaques.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min

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Main manifestations of pre-stroke warning signs

The precursor of cerebral thrombosis in neurology is called transient ischemic attack (TIA). As the name suggests, this is a transient disease, mainly characterized by symptomatic speech impairment, facial droop, drooling, episodic dizziness, blurred vision, and episodic numbness and weakness of limbs. These symptoms are generally transient, usually lasting from several minutes to a few hours and can be completely relieved. The precursor of cerebral thrombosis is regarded as an emergency in neurology and must be treated promptly. Delayed treatment can possibly progress to cerebral infarction, severely affecting the patient's quality of life and physical health. In considering this disease, one must immediately rush to the hospital for appropriate treatment with antiplatelet drugs, lipid-regulating drugs to stabilize plaques, and treatments such as volume expansion and fluid supplementation.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 7sec

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What is good to eat after a stroke?

Stroke primarily refers to cerebrovascular diseases, among which cerebral infarction has the highest incidence rate. Regarding diet after experiencing a cerebral infarction, it mainly falls into two categories: The first category is medications. If it is a cerebral thrombosis, it is crucial to strictly control blood pressure and blood sugar using appropriate medications. Additionally, it is necessary to take medications to prevent the recurrence of thrombosis. These medications primarily include antiplatelet agents and drugs that regulate blood lipids to stabilize plaques. Furthermore, traditional Chinese medicines that invigorate the blood and remove stasis can also be used. These medicines also help to improve blood circulation. In terms of diet, it is essential to follow a low-salt, low-fat diet, avoid overly greasy foods, and eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits regularly. High-quality proteins should also be included, such as drinking milk and eating beef. Whole grains should not be omitted to ensure a balanced diet and promote recovery.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

48sec

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Manifestations of Stroke

First, if the patient has a large-area ischemic stroke, or if there is a significant amount of cerebral hemorrhage, consciousness disorders will occur rapidly, and the patient may even fall into a coma. Second, in the case of general strokes, patients will experience reduced mobility in their limbs, primarily manifesting as unilateral limb paralysis, with symptoms varying from mild to severe. Patients with milder symptoms show clumsiness in fine movements, while more severe cases may require bed rest. Third, a common clinical symptom is numbness in one side of the body. Fourth, patients with a stroke generally also suffer from symptoms such as deviation of the corners of the mouth, shallowing of the nasolabial folds, drooling, and unclear speech.

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Written by Tang Bo

Neurology

53sec

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Is a stroke a cerebral infarction?

Stroke includes cerebral infarction. Stroke is divided into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Therefore, ischemic stroke is cerebral infarction, and hemorrhagic stroke is cerebral hemorrhage. Thus, one cannot say it is solely a cerebral infarction; it includes cerebral infarction. If symptoms of stroke appear, such as unclear speech or limb weakness, it might be either hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke. In such cases, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. For hemorrhagic stroke, one should visit the neurosurgery department, and for ischemic stroke, the neurology department is appropriate. Initially, a CT scan should be performed to make a clear diagnosis.