Can moxibustion be used for lacunar infarction (a type of stroke)?

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on March 05, 2025
00:00
00:00

Lacunar stroke is when small blood vessels in the deep parts of our brain's hemispheres or brainstem, under the long-term influence of high blood pressure, diabetes, or other risk factors, cause the supplying arteries to undergo ischemic necrosis. The affected areas typically have a diameter of less than 1.5 to 2 centimeters, leading to an acute syndrome of neurological function impairment. Treatment of this disease first depends on the patient's age and risk factors to decide whether to use medication. Also, the prognosis is generally good; there is no need for moxibustion, as moxibustion has neither benefits nor harms for lacunar stroke.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
46sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
47sec home-news-image

Can moxibustion be used for lacunar infarction (a type of stroke)?

Lacunar stroke is when small blood vessels in the deep parts of our brain's hemispheres or brainstem, under the long-term influence of high blood pressure, diabetes, or other risk factors, cause the supplying arteries to undergo ischemic necrosis. The affected areas typically have a diameter of less than 1.5 to 2 centimeters, leading to an acute syndrome of neurological function impairment. Treatment of this disease first depends on the patient's age and risk factors to decide whether to use medication. Also, the prognosis is generally good; there is no need for moxibustion, as moxibustion has neither benefits nor harms for lacunar stroke.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
46sec home-news-image

How long can one survive after a stroke?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
2min 10sec home-news-image

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.