Brain infarction refers to the condition.

Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
Updated on September 20, 2024
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A cerebral infarction, commonly abbreviated, is typically referred to in full as thrombotic cerebral infarction or cerebral thrombosis. The most common cause is the formation of a local thrombus or from distant sites, such as the heart or major blood vessels, causing ischemia, hypoxia, and other disturbances in the cerebral blood supply. This results in localized ischemic necrosis or softening of brain tissue, leading to corresponding neurological deficits and signs.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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What should be done if the area of cerebral infarction is large?

If a large cerebral infarction occurs, brain edema often peaks within two to three days, and the mortality rate is extremely high. If medical attention is sought within six hours of onset, thrombolytic therapy can be considered. If emergency thrombolysis is exceeded, then only conservative drug treatment is available. For example, mannitol dehydration to reduce intracranial pressure, nourish neurons, protect brain cells, provide nutritional support, etc. After a stroke, it is essential to monitor changes in the patient's consciousness and pupils, dynamically assess the patient’s Glasgow Coma Score, and be aware of various potential complications. Family members should be well-informed about the patient's condition, etc. (Specific medications should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Can a cerebral infarction be effectively treated?

Most cases of cerebral infarction can be treated effectively, except for some extensive cerebral infarctions, which may leave varying degrees of sequelae. During the acute phase of treatment for cerebral infarction, medications that promote blood circulation, improve circulation, prevent platelet aggregation, and anti-atherosclerosis drugs are used. If treatment can be administered within three hours of onset, intravenous thrombolysis can be performed, which may lead to a faster recovery if successful. Additionally, medications that eliminate free radicals are used during the acute phase to remove free radicals that damage brain cells. Other treatments involve the use of neurotrophic drugs to support the repair of damaged brain cells. After stabilizing the condition, active rehabilitation exercises are recommended, and most patients can be effectively treated.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Is lacunar infarction dangerous?

Lacunar stroke is caused by pathological changes in some small blood vessels inside our skull, due to long-term hypertension or other factors, such as diabetes or immune factors, leading to the occlusion of the vessel lumen and the formation of small infarct lesions. Therefore, when these lesions appear, there may be symptoms, or there may be no symptoms; however, regardless of the situation, the prognosis is generally good. It is also necessary to assess the blood vessels to see if there are any major vascular abnormalities. If major vascular abnormalities are present, it could still be dangerous. If the abnormalities are confined to small vessels, the prognosis is generally good.

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Written by Li Min
Neurology
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Can lacunar infarction be treated?

Lacunar stroke, also known as lacunar infarction, refers to a type of brain infarction where the diameter of the affected area ranges from 2 millimeters to 15 millimeters. It is treatable, typically caused by atherosclerosis of cerebral arteries leading to ischemia and hypoxia in small capillaries, and subsequently, localized tissue necrosis. These usually occur more frequently beneath the cortical layer of brain tissue, as this area has a dense distribution of small blood vessels and is thus more prone to lacunar infarcts. However, if a lacunar infarct occurs in critical areas such as the thalamus, brainstem, basal ganglia, internal capsule, or the limbs and knee regions within the internal capsule, it can lead to a variety of clinical symptoms. The range and types of these clinical symptoms are diverse, including pure sensory, pure motor, mixed sensorimotor numbness in limbs, and issues with peripheral circulation. Though generally, treatment is relatively quick and straightforward, delays in treatment could lead to more severe clinical symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Treatment of Cerebral Infarction

As society ages, the incidence of cerebral infarction is also increasingly higher, making rational treatment extremely important. Generally, the treatments for cerebral infarction include the following methods: The first point is intravenous thrombolysis, which is a very important treatment plan. If patients can reach the hospital within the thrombolysis time window and are assessed by a neurologist as having no contraindications, they can undergo intravenous thrombolysis treatment, from which many patients benefit. Second, with the advancement of medicine, some patients can also undergo interventional surgery for arterial thrombectomy. Third, the treatment for most patients mainly involves the use of antiplatelet drugs and statins. Additionally, medications that clear free radicals and protect brain cells are provided, along with scientifically-based rehabilitation training.