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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Clinical symptoms of cerebral embolism

Patients with cerebral embolism typically exhibit a sudden onset and rapid progression of the condition, often occurring during physical activity and rapidly reaching its peak. Clinically, this can result in immediate and complete paralysis of one side of the body or total aphasia, and in some cases, it can also lead to a swift onset of coma. Additionally, these patients often experience accompanying conditions such as arrhythmias, carotid artery plaque formation, and arteriosclerosis. The common sources of emboli in cerebral embolism are thrombi attached to the heart wall or plaques formed in the carotid artery. Therefore, these patients often have a history of hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, plaque formation in arteries, atrial fibrillation, or coronary artery disease.

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

For most hospitals, registration for cerebral embolism requires a visit to the Department of Neurology, which is the most specialized department for treating cerebral embolism. Cerebral embolism generally has corresponding causes, with the most common being heart diseases. For example, conditions such as old myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation can easily form mural thrombi. These thrombi can detach, enter the cranial arteries through circulation, and cause cerebral embolism, leading to severe clinical consequences. The onset of the disease is very aggressive, quickly reaching a peak and resulting in limb paralysis or even consciousness disorders, requiring emergency treatment. If it is within the thrombolytic time window, intravenous thrombolytic therapy can be administered after assessment. However, one must be cautious of the risk of hemorrhagic transformation during thrombolysis for cerebral embolism. If within a certain timeframe, arterial thrombectomy can also be performed, and many in the Department of Neurology are capable of conducting such surgeries.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Does cerebral embolism require surgery?

Most cases of cerebral embolism in patients are caused by heart diseases, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation. Thrombi form in the atrium, detach, and travel to the cerebral arteries, causing a cerebral embolism. If the area affected by the cerebral embolism is small and the symptoms are mild, surgical treatment may not be necessary. Patients should rest, engage in rehabilitation exercises, and be treated with medications that invigorate the blood, remove blood stasis, protect brain cells, and use anticoagulants. However, if the embolism affects a large area, such as the middle cerebral artery, interventional surgical thrombectomy can be performed according to current medical advancements, which may be effective for some patients but also carries risks of bleeding and potential surgical failure. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How many days for brain embolism infusion?

Cerebral embolism is a particularly dangerous disease that is very concentrated. It primarily refers to the entry of abnormal substances into the arteries, leading to the occlusion of the cerebral arteries and causing corresponding clinical manifestations in patients. Symptoms may include disturbances in consciousness, coma, limb paralysis, numbness, slurred speech, and even possibly seizures. The most common cause of cerebral embolism is atrial fibrillation. Treatment generally requires hospitalization for intravenous infusion. If the condition is relatively stable, an infusion lasting about 10 to 14 days may suffice, followed by administration of anticoagulant drugs for treatment. If the area affected by the cerebral embolism is very large and the patient is in severe danger, infusion treatment may need to last about 3 to 4 weeks. The specific approach should be based on the patient's condition. Additionally, certain medications to reduce dehydration and intracranial pressure, as well as neuroprotective drugs, should be administered. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.