Symptoms of stroke worsened in the elderly

Written by Li Qiang
Intensive Care Unit
Updated on January 01, 2025
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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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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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What should I do if a cerebral infarction causes vomiting?

Patients with cerebral infarction who experience vomiting must undergo timely relevant examinations. Cerebral infarction typically presents with symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and nausea. The presence of vomiting often accompanies the development of intracranial hypertension. At this time, it is crucial to administer an appropriate mannitol diuresis therapy to reduce intracranial pressure. Prompt use of metoclopramide injection or granisetron injection is also highly necessary, as these can effectively alleviate the symptoms of vomiting. However, it is essential to complete the appropriate examinations to clarify the changes in the intracranial condition. Vomiting caused by cerebellar infarction is relatively normal, but if nausea and vomiting occur elsewhere, it is crucial to determine the specific cause, and sometimes surgical treatment may be necessary. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician; do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Liu Dong Yang
Neurosurgery
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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
Neurosurgery
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Causes of Cerebral Infarction

The specific causes of cerebral infarction are mostly seen in older patients with several underlying diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Over time, without well-controlled blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids, arteriosclerosis can easily form within the blood vessels, or atherosclerotic plaques can develop. Once the plaque forms, under certain triggers, the unstable detachment of the vascular plaque can occur. The embolus then moves with the blood flow into the brain and lodges in a narrowed part of the vessel, causing local blood supply areas to experience narrowing or blockage. At this point, a cerebral infarction is likely to form, leading to ischemia, necrosis, and degeneration of the brain tissue supplied by the vessel, resulting in a softening lesion. On a cranial CT scan and MRI, a local low-density shadow can be observed, which is the specific cause of the cerebral infarction.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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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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Written by Shu Zhi Qiang
Neurosurgery
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post-stroke sequelae

Brain infarction is a very common type of ischemic cerebrovascular disease, which mainly includes the following types: the most common are lacunar infarction, cerebral thrombosis, and cerebral embolism. The neurological sequelae of lacunar infarction are not particularly typical, and patients may exhibit mild incomplete paralysis of limbs, decreased muscle strength, reduced sensation, or ataxia. Cerebral thrombosis and cerebral embolism often cause extensive brain infarction, where patients typically experience severe limb paralysis, loss of sensation, increased tendon reflexes, positive pathological reflexes, and an inability to care for themselves.