Auxiliary examinations for cerebral embolism

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on February 07, 2025
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Patients with cerebral embolism need to undergo a cranial MRI to observe the location of the embolism, the area of brain tissue necrosis, and the age of the lesion, which is helpful in assessing the severity of the disease and prognosis. Additionally, it is necessary to examine the cervical vasculature with Doppler ultrasound to check for the presence of carotid artery plaques, especially soft plaques which are prone to detachment and can form emboli, blocking cerebral vessels and potentially causing recurrence or exacerbation of cerebral embolism. Furthermore, an echocardiogram of the heart is required because another common source of emboli in cerebral embolism is mural thrombi in the heart, particularly in patients with arrhythmias or atrial fibrillation, who are more prone to form mural thrombi. Therefore, patients with cerebral embolism need to have an echocardiogram to check for the presence of mural thrombi. If present, anticoagulant medication is required for treatment. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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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 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 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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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.

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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.)