Causes of cerebral infarction

Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
Updated on November 15, 2024
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There are many causes of cerebral infarction, but the most common in clinical practice is the narrowing or occlusion of the carotid artery. Since the brain is supplied by four blood vessels, any issues with any of these vessels can potentially lead to a cerebral infarction. Conditions commonly known as the "three highs"—high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol—can easily lead to narrowing or even blockage of the blood vessels. Thus, these factors are fundamentally the cause. Additionally, smoking and drinking can also lead to vascular narrowing and cause cerebral infarction. In some special cases, autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation inside the vessels, leading to narrowing. Other causes include arterial tears due to trauma, which can lead to ischemia and infarction, or abnormal blood supply due to arrhythmias causing cerebral infarction.

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Is a lacunar infarct a minor stroke?

Lacunar stroke is, in a sense, a milder form of stroke. It may not involve complete paralysis of limbs or consciousness disorders. Such cases typically show symptoms of sudden large vessel blockage. However, it results from blockages in many small vessels and manifests in various ways. Additionally, it gradually worsens, displaying an increasing range of symptoms including cognitive impairments, dementia, unstable gait, slurred speech, and dysarthria. These symptoms significantly affect the quality of life, so it can be considered not mild.

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Can a cerebral infarction recover?

Most patients who experience a stroke have relatively good recovery after active treatment and rehabilitation exercise, but very few patients can recover to the physical state they were in before the stroke. This is mainly because after the stroke, brain cells are damaged due to ischemia and hypoxia. Since brain cells are non-regenerative tissues, it is difficult for them to regenerate once they are damaged. The function of the damaged brain cells is mainly compensated by the undamaged brain neurons. Therefore, even with active treatment, it's not possible to return to a completely normal state. However, even so, it is still crucial to actively pursue treatment and rehabilitation exercises after a stroke, as these can significantly reduce the disability and mortality rates caused by the stroke.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
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What location is used for moxibustion in the treatment of cerebral infarction?

For patients with cerebral infarction, it is usually recommended during the acute phase to conduct a cranial MRI to determine the location and severity of the stroke and to decide the next treatment plan. If surgery is indicated, treatment can be administered through intravenous thrombolysis. If surgery is not indicated, or the optimal treatment time has been missed, it is recommended that the patient be hospitalized for treatment. During the acute phase, medications that invigorate the brain and improve blood circulation while nourishing the nerves are administered, and it is important to monitor any changes in the patient's condition. The effectiveness of moxibustion in treating cerebral infarction is generally moderate. During the recovery phase, patients can try moxibustion, but it is generally advised to seek treatment under the guidance of a Traditional Chinese Medicine physician at a reputable tertiary hospital.

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home-news-image
Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
58sec home-news-image

Causes of cerebral infarction

There are many causes of cerebral infarction, but the most common in clinical practice is the narrowing or occlusion of the carotid artery. Since the brain is supplied by four blood vessels, any issues with any of these vessels can potentially lead to a cerebral infarction. Conditions commonly known as the "three highs"—high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol—can easily lead to narrowing or even blockage of the blood vessels. Thus, these factors are fundamentally the cause. Additionally, smoking and drinking can also lead to vascular narrowing and cause cerebral infarction. In some special cases, autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation inside the vessels, leading to narrowing. Other causes include arterial tears due to trauma, which can lead to ischemia and infarction, or abnormal blood supply due to arrhythmias causing cerebral infarction.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
51sec home-news-image

What department should I go to for a cerebral infarction?

When a patient suffers a stroke, it is advised to promptly visit a local hospital and consult a neurologist to assess the condition. Often, when an acute stroke occurs, treatment can be administered through thrombolysis. If the window for thrombolytic therapy is missed, conservative pharmacological treatment is recommended. Clinically, it is generally recommended to treat patients with medications that enhance brain function, promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and nourish the nerves. Patients’ vital signs should be closely monitored, and dynamic reassessment through head CT or MRI should be conducted to observe changes in the patient's condition. In cases of extensive stroke, it may be necessary to transfer the patient to neurosurgery for decompressive craniectomy surgery.