Can a cerebral infarction be cured?

Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Stroke is the most common cerebrovascular disease. It occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the brain become blocked, leading to ischemic necrosis of the brain tissue in that region. This results in a series of neurological deficits. Theoretically, once a stroke has occurred, it cannot be completely cured because brain cells are non-regenerative. Once they die, they cannot be revived, and the function of the neurons in that area is completely lost. However, the significance of acute phase treatment lies in the rescue of the ischemic penumbra. The function of these cells can be restored after treatment, and thereafter, they may compensate for the function of the central necrotic area. Thus, patients who receive treatment may regain some neurological functions. Another condition is that the patient must be brought to the hospital within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. If there are no clear contraindications, RT-PA intravenous thrombolytic treatment can be administered. The success rate of this thrombolysis is relatively high, and about 30% of patients may be fully cured without any sequelae.

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Precursors to cerebral infarction

For patients with cerebral infarction, before the onset of the illness, they often lack specific prodromal symptoms. Some patients may experience mild headaches, dizziness, nausea, and a clear feeling of discomfort. Additionally, some patients might experience numbness in the legs and involuntary twitching of facial muscles before the onset. Subsequently, some patients may also start to have drooping of the corner of the mouth to one side, drooling, slurred speech, and distinct articulation disorders. When these clinical presentations occur, it is necessary to be vigilant and seek timely medical attention at a local hospital. A cranial CT or MRI should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

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Symptoms of stroke worsened in the elderly

Elderly people who experience a cerebral infarction (stroke) may show several typical symptoms if the condition worsens. Firstly, their speech may suddenly become unclear, accompanied by a slight drooping of the mouth and drooling. Another symptom is difficulty in extending the tongue straight out, as it may not align centrally. Additionally, there may be weakness in the limbs. These symptoms indicate the presence of a new cerebral infarction lesion. In such cases, it is crucial to promptly go to the hospital for a head CT scan or an MRI to determine whether the scope of the stroke has expanded or if a new stroke has occurred.

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How to rehabilitate from a cerebral infarction?

Brain infarction is one of the most common cerebrovascular accidents, accounting for about 65% of all cerebrovascular diseases. The types of brain infarction include lacunar infarction, cerebral thrombosis, and cerebral embolism; sometimes it also includes cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Any type of brain infarction, or cerebral infarction, can cause certain neurological dysfunctions. Therefore, once the patient's condition is stabilized, it is advisable to actively consider rehabilitation treatments. These rehabilitation treatments mainly include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, acupuncture rehabilitation, and physical rehabilitation therapy.

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Methods of Cerebral Infarction

There are many methods for treating cerebral infarction, but it is essential to make judgments based on the situation, as each patient's condition is different and requires different treatment approaches. For patients with acute cerebral infarction, treatments such as emergency thrombolysis or thrombectomy can be undertaken. For chronic cerebral infarction, initially, medical treatment is applied, including managing blood pressure, lowering blood lipids, stabilizing blood sugar levels, quitting smoking and alcohol, etc. Subsequently, this includes the oral administration of antiplatelet aggregation medications, which can effectively reduce the recurrence of cerebral infarction. Finally, corresponding surgical treatments are considered, including endarterectomy, superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis, and appropriate stent implantation surgeries, depending on the specific characteristics. (Specific medications should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)

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Causes of Cerebral Infarction

At present, there is no consensus on the specific causes of cerebral infarction. It is mostly seen in patients with underlying diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, where there has not been adequate control of the patient's blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. This can lead to significant increases in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Over time, this might result in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the patient’s blood vessels. When these plaques break off and enter the bloodstream, they travel with the blood flow and can lodge in the narrow vessels of the brain. This causes blockage of the blood vessel and leads to ischemia, necrosis, softening, and degeneration of the brain tissue in the affected blood supply area, ultimately causing a cerebral infarction.