Can lacunar infarction be treated?

Written by Li Min
Neurology
Updated on May 02, 2025
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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 Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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How should aspirin be taken for cerebral infarction?

Aspirin should be taken for cerebral infarction. It can be used not only during the acute phase of cerebral infarction but also for secondary prevention treatment. If a patient suffers a cerebral infarction, thrombolytic interventional surgery can be conducted during the acute phase window. If the patient has missed the time for surgery, then choosing antiplatelet drugs like aspirin and clopidogrel, along with atorvastatin for lipid regulation and stabilizing plaques, is advisable. A follow-up CT should be done dynamically, and changes in the patient's consciousness and pupils should be monitored.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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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 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 Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
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The dangers of staying up all night for cerebral infarction

The dangers of staying up late for those with cerebral infarction are significant. Staying up late can easily lead to an increase in blood pressure, which can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, cause cerebral arterial atherosclerosis, and easily lead to ischemic and hypoxic injuries in the brain tissue, resulting in new or aggravated cerebral infarctions. Long-term staying up late can reduce the ejection fraction of the heart, leading to insufficient cerebral blood supply, and easily trigger cerebrovascular diseases. For patients with cerebral infarction, it is generally advised to have regular living habits, avoid staying up late, wake up on time, and also participate in appropriate physical exercise.

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Written by Tang Bo
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CT manifestations of cerebral infarction

Brain infarction has different manifestations on CT scans at different stages. Generally, within 24 hours, the CT scan may not show any imaging of the cerebral infarction lesion. However, some patients, especially those with thrombosis in the middle cerebral artery, might exhibit a high density sign in the middle cerebral artery. In cases of large-scale cerebral infarction, some sulci on the side affected by the infarction may appear shallower, indicating possible brain swelling. Generally, within 24 hours, a CT scan can reveal a low-density image, which appears relatively darker. This condition is typically considered a brain infarction, and as time progresses, this dark, or low-density image, tends to become even darker. In some patients during the acute phase, although the infarction may not be apparent, a CT scan is performed to rule out bleeding, as CT is very sensitive to bleeding.