How long can someone with a complete paralysis from a cerebral infarction survive?

Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
Updated on September 18, 2024
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The life expectancy of patients with total paralysis from cerebral infarction cannot be generalized, as it depends on the size and location of the stroke, as well as the treatment received. A larger affected area, especially if the stroke occurs in a critical area like the brainstem, and if treatment is delayed, may result in the patient not surviving the acute phase due to high intracranial pressure, which can be fatal. If a patient survives the acute phase and moves into the residual effects phase, the outcome will depend on the rehabilitation treatment received, as well as care from family and community nursing. Such patients are prone to complications, such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. The initial stroke may not be fatal, but the treatment outcomes vary significantly. Some patients, if well cared for and treated promptly without recurring episodes, can have a comparatively long lifespan.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What is the cause of swollen feet after a stroke?

Patients with cerebral infarction presenting with swollen feet and lower limb edema should be aware of the following reasons. The first scenario is due to reduced activity in the limbs on the paralyzed side, which results in weaker muscle contraction. Consequently, a large amount of blood accumulates in the lower limb veins, causing poor circulation and naturally leading to swollen feet. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to begin early rehabilitation training, engage in muscle massage, and perform passive joint exercises, among other activities. The second scenario that requires close attention is the formation of venous thrombosis in the lower limbs on the paralyzed side after a cerebral infarction. This condition can easily lead to venous thrombosis, which significantly contributes to foot swelling. Furthermore, it increases the risk of pulmonary embolism. It is important to complete routine coagulation tests and d-dimer examinations, as well as comprehensive lower limb venous Doppler ultrasound assessments.

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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 Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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A stroke belongs to the neurology department.

Stroke is generally categorized under neurology. When a stroke occurs, it is crucial to take the patient to the local hospital immediately for treatment assessed by a neurologist. Typically, during the acute phase, thrombolytic therapy is utilized for treatment if the conditions for surgery are met. If the thrombolysis window is missed, it is recommended to administer intravenous drips to the patient to nourish the brain, improve blood circulation, and provide nutrients to the nerves. It is important to monitor the patient’s condition, and during treatment, dynamic re-examination of the head CT or MRI is necessary to determine the location, extent, and severity of the stroke, and to timely adjust the treatment plan.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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What is a cerebral infarction?

Brain infarction is also relatively common in clinical practice, mainly seen in elderly people, generally accompanied by underlying diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Brain infarction is primarily caused by the blockage of cerebral blood vessels, leading to necrosis of brain tissue due to ischemia and hypoxia. After a brain infarction occurs, patients should seek medical attention in a timely manner and be admitted to the department of neurology or neurosurgery for systematic drug treatment. If the infarction area is large or a brain herniation has formed, surgical intervention should be considered, such as decompressive craniectomy and lowering intracranial pressure.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Imaging manifestations of cerebral infarction

For patients with cerebral infarction, in addition to collecting medical history and clarifying symptoms and signs, imaging examinations are also very important for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of cerebral infarction. They are indispensable tools in clinical examinations. Cerebral infarction primarily requires cranial CT and MRI scans. On cranial CT, cerebral infarction lesions mainly appear as low-density areas and are easily distinguishable from cerebral hemorrhage. The lesions may cause swelling and have a certain mass effect. In cranial MRI, the appearance of cerebral infarction is primarily seen in diffusion-weighted imaging as a distinctly high signal, making it very easy to identify the responsible lesions. In T2-weighted images, the high signal is also clearly visible and easier to differentiate.