Is cerebral embolism the same as cerebral infarction?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Brain embolism is a form of cerebral infarction, so essentially, it is also a type of cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction encompasses a wider range, including cerebral thrombosis, lacunar infarction, watershed infarction, and others. Brain embolism primarily refers to abnormal substances entering the bloodstream, which then enter the arteries of the brain, causing obstruction in these arteries and leading to ischemia and hypoxia of the brain tissue, thus presenting clinical symptoms of cerebral infarction. The onset of the condition in patients is quite severe, rapidly leading to paralysis of limbs and disorders of speech function. In cases of extensive brain embolism, patients may even experience coma and death as serious complications. Most patients with brain embolism have a history of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation can lead to the formation of mural thrombi, and when these thrombi dislodge, they can cause brain embolism.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Can people with cerebral embolism run?

Patients with cerebral embolism can jog moderately, but walking is highly recommended. This is because the common source of the embolus in cerebral embolism patients is a mural thrombus in the heart. The common causes of mural thrombus formation include arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. Therefore, patients with cerebral embolism, who may also have coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, or cardiac mural thrombus, are not well-suited for running, which is a relatively intense form of exercise. They can jog moderately, but the distance and duration should not be too long. The most recommended form of exercise is walking. Walking is the best form of exercise to prevent worsening the condition after running, and it could also exacerbate coronary artery disease conditions.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Symptoms and manifestations of cerebral embolism

The so-called cerebral embolism primarily refers to the presence of abnormal substances in the arteries, which block the smaller arteries leading to arterial occlusion, causing severe cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, and resulting in the necrosis of brain tissue. It generally occurs in patients with atrial fibrillation, where atrial fibrillation can form larger emboli that detach from the heart and can easily cause cerebral embolism. The symptoms of the onset are very sudden and rapidly reach their peak. Patients may experience coma and consciousness disorders, fixed staring of the eyes, paralysis of limbs, numbness of limbs, and an inability to sense pain and temperature in the limbs. Additionally, some may experience epileptic seizures and urinary and fecal incontinence. Cerebral embolism is a very dangerous disease, and once these symptoms appear, it is crucial to seek hospital treatment as soon as possible.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What is a brain embolism?

Cerebral embolism refers to various abnormal emboli that enter the intracranial arteries with blood circulation, causing acute occlusion of the cerebral arteries and leading to ischemic hypoxic necrosis of the brain tissue in the supplied area. The onset is usually very sudden and dangerous, with patients rapidly developing limb paralysis, speech dysfunction, facial paralysis, and in some cases, coma, seizures, and other clinical manifestations. The most common source of embolism is the heart, such as atrial fibrillation or myocardial infarction forming mural thrombi that dislodge and enter the brain causing an embolism. Additionally, there are non-cardiac sources of embolism, such as the detachment of atherosclerotic plaques causing an embolism, as well as air embolisms and cancer cell embolisms. Cerebral embolism is an emergency and severe condition that requires prompt medical attention.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Can people with cerebral embolism eat mutton?

Patients with cerebral embolism can eat lamb, but should do so in moderation and not excessively. This is because a common cause of cerebral embolism is the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the neck arteries, particularly soft plaques. When these soft plaques detach, they form an embolus that, carried by the bloodstream, can block cerebral vessels and cause a cerebral embolism. Thus, many of these patients often have hyperlipidemia, with a basis of arteriosclerosis and arterial plaques. Therefore, their diet should be low in salt and low in fat, and overall light. Foods that are overly greasy or high in fat should be avoided as much as possible, such as animal organs and fatty meats which are high in fat. Lamb can be eaten in proper amounts. Other dietary considerations include avoiding overly salty foods, as excessive salt intake can lead to increased blood pressure, further aggravating arteriosclerosis and arterial plaques, and leading to the onset of cerebral embolism.

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Which department should I go to for a cerebral embolism?

The patient has experienced a cerebral embolism, and it is definitely recommended to seek appropriate medical care in neurology. Neurologists have seen many patients with cerebral embolism and have rich experience in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. The onset of cerebral embolism is quite severe, and patients generally may have a history of cardiac diseases, such as atrial fibrillation. It is crucial to go to the hospital as soon as possible if a cerebral embolism occurs. If within the time window for thrombectomy, such as within eight hours, relevant thrombectomy treatment can be performed. Additionally, some hospitals carry out thrombectomy treatments in neurosurgery or interventional departments. Therefore, if a cerebral embolism requires surgical treatment, one can also visit the interventional department or neurosurgery. After the condition of a cerebral embolism patient stabilizes, routine anticoagulation therapy is necessary to prevent a recurrence of the cerebral embolism.