What department should one go to for a cerebral embolism?

Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Patients with cerebral embolism should visit the department of neurology.

Cerebral embolism is not a special disease but rather one type of cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction generally includes two types: cerebral thrombosis and cerebral embolism. The former refers to the formation of a thrombus at the site of the vessel occlusion. The latter involves a thrombus originating from another location, which blocks the vessel at the infarct site. The sources of such thrombi are varied, with the most common being from the heart, frequently seen in patients with long-term chronic atrial fibrillation. This condition forms a mural thrombus in the atrium, which, during episodes of atrial fibrillation, can detach, be flushed by the blood stream into the brain, and cause cerebral embolism. Secondly, it occurs in cardiac valve diseases, such as rheumatic heart disease, mitral valve alterations, and others. There are also some other sources of thrombi, such as tumor-induced cancer, amniotic fluid embolism in pregnant women, and fat embolism in patients with fractures.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can cerebral embolism be treated with thrombolysis?

Cerebral embolism is a relatively common ischemic cerebrovascular disease. If the area of cerebral embolism is very large and it exceeds the time window for thrombolysis, and if the patient is elderly with multiple underlying diseases, then thrombolysis is not recommended. Patients with large-area cerebral embolism have a higher probability of transitioning to cerebral hemorrhage, thus the risk of thrombolysis is very high. However, if it is within the time window for arterial thrombectomy, it is advocated to undergo arterial thrombectomy treatment. Family members can communicate more with the doctor to choose the appropriate treatment plan. If the symptoms of cerebral embolism are relatively mild, the affected area is considered small, and it is within three hours, then intravenous thrombolysis treatment could be considered. Patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis must ensure that a cranial CT is rechecked within 24 hours to exclude any secondary bleeding.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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symptoms of cerebral embolism

Cerebral embolism generally has a rapid onset and develops quickly, often occurring during physical activity. Within a short period of time, the condition can peak, and patients may experience sudden coma or complete paralysis of one side of the body, as well as aphasia, dementia, and cognitive dysfunction. Overall, the progression of the disease is very fast and can reach a peak in a short time. These patients often have underlying diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, which is a type of arrhythmia. In patients with atrial fibrillation, mural thrombi can form on the inner walls of the heart. These thrombi can detach and, carried by the bloodstream, block cerebral vessels, leading to cerebral embolism. Additionally, some patients have a foundation of arteriosclerosis, particularly in the carotid arteries, which can form plaques, especially soft plaques. When these plaques detach, they can form emboli that block cerebral vessels, causing cerebral embolism.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What fluid is infused for cerebral embolism?

Cerebral embolism is a type of ischemic cerebrovascular disease, occurring when an abnormal clot travels to the brain and blocks an artery, leading to corresponding clinical symptoms. Patients may experience speech impairments, motor dysfunctions, limb numbness, and even consciousness disturbances among other clinical manifestations. Some individuals with cerebral embolism may even develop epilepsy. The primary treatment for patients with cerebral embolism involves anticoagulation therapy. Additionally, intravenous medications are mainly used to reduce cerebral edema, activate blood circulation and remove stasis, protect brain cells, and eliminate free radicals. Medications to improve collateral circulation via intravenous routes are also applicable. Generally, the prognosis of cerebral embolism is not very good; it is prone to transition to cerebral hemorrhage and may leave sequelae such as epilepsy. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What department should I go to for a cerebral embolism?

Brain embolism is a disease in the field of neurology, and one can consult a department of neurology for it. Patients with brain embolism often have a rapid onset, generally with a history of atrial fibrillation. Some thrombi attached to the heart dislodge into the cerebral arteries, causing brain embolism. Symptoms can rapidly develop, including limb paralysis and speech disorders. If the affected area in the brain is large, it may even lead to consciousness disorders and epileptic seizures. For the treatment of brain embolism, interventional thrombectomy can be performed, but there is a strict limitation on the timing window. It should be noted that patients with brain embolism have a high probability of transforming into cerebral hemorrhage, and caution must be exercised during treatment.

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Written by Zhang Hui
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What to do about cerebral embolism?

The onset of cerebral embolism is very sudden, and most cases of cerebral embolism are caused by heart disease. For instance, atrial fibrillation or myocardial infarction can lead to cerebral embolism, which requires immediate medical attention. If it is within the time window for arterial thrombectomy, it is best to proceed with the arterial thrombectomy treatment, and this window typically ranges from six to eight hours. If the time window is missed, the patient should primarily be kept on bed rest and given medications to protect and nourish brain cells. If intracranial pressure is high, medications to reduce dehydration and lower cranial pressure should be administered. After the acute phase, anticoagulation treatment should also be provided to prevent future occurrences of cerebral embolism. Additionally, care should be taken to prevent complications such as pulmonary infections, urinary system infections, and bedsores.