Is lacunar infarction dangerous?

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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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Geriatrics
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Can people who have had a cerebral infarction eat mutton?

Patients with cerebral infarction can appropriately consume mutton, but it depends on the specific condition of each individual. It is advised that those in the acute phase with internal phlegm-heat refrain from eating mutton. However, during the recovery or post-stroke phase, if the patient is weak, malnourished, and shows symptoms of yang deficiency, consuming mutton is appropriate as it is warm in nature and can nourish the kidney and yang, and warm and strengthen the body. Nevertheless, it is important to consume it in moderation to avoid excessive internal heat.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
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Symptoms of cerebral infarction

Patients with cerebral infarction may exhibit paralysis of one side of the body and aphasia. If the patient has a brainstem infarction, symptoms may include unclear speech, difficulty swallowing, and coughing while eating. In cases of cerebellar infarction, there may not be symptoms of hemiplegia; the main symptom is usually dizziness. Additionally, large-scale cerebral infarctions can lead to disturbances in consciousness, manifesting as coma. Typically, cerebral infarctions do not affect consciousness unless they are extensive, which may also lead to coma. Moreover, patients with cerebral infarction often experience symptoms while resting quietly, commonly waking up in the morning to find themselves unable to speak or with paralysis on one side of the body, although their consciousness remains clear. These are typical manifestations of cerebral infarction.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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Which department should I go to for a cerebral infarction?

Stroke is caused by blockage or narrowing of blood vessels within the skull, leading to ischemic necrosis of brain tissue and a range of symptoms. Typically, patients with strokes are seen in neurology departments. Of course, the location of the stroke varies, and each patient's clinical presentation is different. If a stroke occurs, a cranial CT scan can provide a clear diagnosis. Clinically, treatment primarily involves dehydration, lowering intracranial pressure, brain protection, and nutritional support. If the patient has a large area of cerebral infarction and high intracranial pressure, they can be seen in neurosurgery, where procedures such as craniotomy decompression may be used to reduce intracranial pressure.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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How long can someone with a complete paralysis from a cerebral infarction survive?

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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Stroke rehabilitation exercise

In the early stages of a stroke, for bedridden patients, passive limb exercises can be conducted at the bedside. This includes joint loosening exercises and passive flexing of knee and elbow joints to prevent joint contractures. When not exercising, proper limb positioning is needed; sandbags can be placed on the inside of the upper limbs to avoid internal rotation, and the legs should be placed in stiff cloth shoes or T-bar shoes to prevent external rotation. Once the patient enters the recovery phase, they can gradually begin standing and walking exercises, while also receiving treatments such as medications, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and acupuncture. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)