How long can one survive after a stroke?

Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
Updated on September 07, 2024
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The lifespan after a stroke depends on the location and area of the stroke, the treatment received, and subsequent complications. Some patients with severe acute strokes are at risk of life-threatening conditions, and not everyone survives this acute phase. Those who do survive and enter the recovery and post-effects phases can extend their lifespan by controlling risk factors for stroke, delaying or preventing recurrence. Early rehabilitation, such as acupuncture during the early recovery phase, does not affect the normal lifespan in mild cases. However, recurrent strokes can shorten the lifespan, especially if complications like aspiration pneumonia occur afterward.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
1min 18sec home-news-image

Do you need to take medication for a long time for cerebral infarction?

Brain infarction generally requires long-term medication, and the specific medications to be taken can vary from person to person. Moreover, the choice of medication should be determined by a doctor based on the patient's condition and past risk factors. Brain infarction is a disease caused by multiple factors, with common causes including hypertension. In the case of hypertension, the choice of antihypertensive medication and the duration of treatment should be based on the patient's blood pressure to maintain it within a normal range. There is also a possibility that the condition is due to diabetes, as some diabetic patients are also prone to brain infarction. Such patients may need to use long-term antidiabetic drugs or insulin to control blood sugar. Additionally, antiplatelet medications might be necessary for brain infarction, but whether to use them should also be determined by the doctor based on the patient's specific circumstances. Since medications can have side effects, a comprehensive decision must be made on what drugs to use. (Note: The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Does cerebral infarction require long-term medication?

Patients with cerebral infarction need to take medication long term. Generally, patients with cerebral infarction have underlying diseases such as cerebral arteriosclerosis and hyperlipidemia, or hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Therefore, cerebral infarction patients need long-term medication to control blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar. Additionally, they should take antiplatelet drugs to prevent new thrombus formation and drugs to combat arteriosclerosis to prevent the worsening of cerebral arteriosclerosis and cerebral vascular stenosis. The focus of treatment is also on preventing other blood vessels from blocking, which could lead to a recurrence or worsening of cerebral infarction. Thus, patients with cerebral infarction need long-term medication and regular check-ups during the medication period, including blood tests and liver and kidney function tests, to monitor for any drug-induced liver or kidney damage. If no damage is apparent, they generally need to continue taking medication long-term. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Is lacunar infarction hereditary?

Lacunar stroke is a type of small stroke that occurs within the brain due to the narrowing of small arteries. This narrowing is often caused by long-term hypertension or diabetes, among other risk factors, leading to the obstruction of these vessels. Some patients may not exhibit any symptoms, while others might experience mild symptoms. Regardless of the cause, both hypertension and diabetes have genetic components, suggesting that lacunar strokes are influenced by genetics but are not entirely hereditary. Furthermore, the specific location of a lacunar stroke within the brain determines the symptoms experienced, implying that the condition is not solely genetic but does have genetic factors.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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Nursing Measures for Patients with Cerebral Infarction

The nursing measures for stroke patients vary according to different conditions. During the acute phase, the primary concern is life-threatening infections, while during the recovery and residual stages, the focus is on preventing various complications and risks. The care measures are categorized as follows: The first is dietary care. Relatives of stroke patients should be reminded that the diet should be light, low in fat, and high in fiber, following the principle of eating small meals frequently. The second is maintaining clear airways, preventing colds, especially tuberculosis, and ensuring that someone watches over the patient at all times. The third is the prevention of bedsores, assisting and maintaining regular patient turning and moderate activity. The fourth involves preventing burns, bruises, falls, and other injuries by creating a safe and comfortable environment for the patient, ensuring their safety and that there are no hazardous objects in the room. The fifth is preventing constipation which can be aided by abdominal massage and eating foods high in fiber. The sixth is preventing urinary tract infections, timely changing diapers for those patients who can urinate independently, or ensuring sterile techniques for those with catheters. The seventh is preventing falls from the bed, especially for those who are restless; installation of bed rails and other safety measures should be considered. The eighth concerns psychological care since many patients tend to become pessimistic and disappointed post-illness. Family members should be caring and provide comfort and encouragement to the patients. The ninth general care measure involves daily oral care with saline solution or brushing teeth every morning and evening, bathing the patient once or twice a week, and daily cleansing of the genital area.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Can lacunar infarction be treated?

Lacunar stroke is a type of cerebral infarction. It occurs due to long-term hypertension or other causes leading to arteriosclerosis in the small vessels inside the skull or other thrombus formations, leading to stroke. It is treatable, and the treatment is generally the same as for other types of strokes. Early on, depending on the patient’s condition, thrombolytic treatment can be chosen if it is within 4.5 hours from onset. However, if the symptoms are mild, the benefits and risks should be weighed. Treatment may also include antiplatelet therapy to improve circulation, lipid-lowering, and plaque stabilization. It is also necessary to tailor treatment to the individual patient and to further investigate whether there is significant narrowing of the vessels to guide prognosis.