Does cerebral embolism require surgery?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on April 22, 2025
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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 Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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What are the symptoms of cerebral embolism?

Brain embolism usually begins suddenly and develops rapidly, often reaching a peak in a very short time. This can cause patients to quickly become comatose or experience weakness in limbs on one side of the body, with some presenting with complete paralysis or speech impairments. These symptoms occur because a major blood vessel in the brain is blocked abruptly, leading to ischemia and tissue necrosis in the supplied area. Common sources of the emboli include plaques in the cervical arteries, where soft plaques can dislodge and form emboli that block cerebral vessels with the bloodstream. Alternatively, patients with atrial fibrillation may suffer from embolism when thrombi attached to the inner walls of the heart dislodge and block cerebral vessels through circulation. Brain embolism is generally a severe condition with a rapid onset.

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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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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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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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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.