What to do about cerebral embolism?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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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.

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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
Neurology
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Can cerebral embolism be treated with thrombolysis?

For patients with cerebral embolism, if the onset is not particularly severe and the area of the embolism is not very large, for example, if the patient's consciousness is still clear, then thrombolysis can still be feasible. It is now also relatively advocated because the risk of cerebral hemorrhage is relatively small in such cases. However, if the area of the cerebral embolism is large, especially if the patient has fallen into a coma or other consciousness disorders, and shows conjugate gaze palsy, then the risk of thrombolysis is very high, and there is a very likely risk of conversion to cerebral hemorrhage. In such cases, thrombolysis is not recommended, and arterial thrombectomy can be performed instead, which can greatly save the patient's life and improve the quality of life. Besides thrombolysis and thrombectomy, anticoagulant therapy should also be administered after the condition stabilizes, as most cases of cerebral embolism are caused by atrial fibrillation, and anticoagulant therapy can prevent future attacks.

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

Patients with cerebral embolism can appropriately eat some mutton, but not too much, as the main dietary approach is a low-salt diet. Additionally, foods high in fat should not be consumed excessively, because a common cause of cerebral embolism is the hardening of blood vessels in the neck, carotid artery plaques, especially when soft plaques break off and form emboli that block cerebral vessels through the bloodstream. Thus, consuming these high-fat foods excessively can exacerbate hyperlipidemia, worsen arterial sclerosis, and increase arterial plaque, potentially leading to the recurrence and aggravation of cerebral embolism. Therefore, patients with cerebral embolism can appropriately consume some mutton, as its fat content is not too high, but it should not be consumed in excess. Eating it in moderation is acceptable.

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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 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.)