What is the best treatment for cerebral infarction?

Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
Updated on May 01, 2025
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In the treatment of cerebral infarction, there is no best option, only the most suitable one based on the different conditions at the time. Generally speaking, there are several major aspects. First, it is necessary to improve cerebral circulation. One method is thrombolysis, and another is interventional treatment. One of these two approaches is chosen depending on the specific conditions, including corresponding contraindications and indications. Next, treatments can include antiplatelet aggregation, anticoagulation, fibrinolytic therapy, volume expansion, vasodilation, and improving cerebral blood circulation. Furthermore, there is neuroprotective treatment and other therapies like hyperbaric oxygen and hypothermia. Another major category is general management, which, in addition to symptomatic treatment, includes life support such as oxygenation, cardiac monitoring, managing cardiac complications, temperature control, blood pressure control, blood sugar control, and nutritional support. Additionally, there is treatment for acute-phase complications such as cerebral edema, epilepsy, swallowing difficulties, pneumonia, urinary retention and infection, and deep vein thrombosis. Finally, there is early rehabilitation therapy. After a stroke, in a stable condition, it is important to engage in activities such as sitting, standing, and walking as much as possible, and to focus on rehabilitation training in speech, movement, psychology, and other aspects, aiming to quickly restore the ability to perform daily activities independently.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Causes of Cerebral Infarction

The first reason is due to arteriosclerosis. Under the influence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, damage occurs to the inner lining of the arteries. A large amount of lipid components are deposited on the arterial walls, eventually forming unstable plaques, leading to the narrowing and even occlusion of the cerebral arteries, thus causing the formation of cerebral thrombosis. The second reason to consider is cardiac causes; if a patient has atrial fibrillation, mural thrombi can form within the heart. These thrombi, once dislodged into the cerebral arteries, can cause cerebral embolism. The third point to note is arterial dissection, which is also a cause of cerebral infarction, and it is relatively common among young people.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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Can someone who has had a cerebral infarction drink alcohol?

It is advised that individuals who have suffered a stroke should not consume alcohol. This is because strokes typically have specific causes, the most common of which include high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Strokes can also occur during times of emotional distress, and are often a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits and dietary patterns. Therefore, quitting smoking and alcohol is considered very important. Additionally, since many stroke patients also have high blood pressure, drinking alcohol can lead to excitement, which may cause an increase in blood pressure and potentially lead to another stroke.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Is a brain embolism the same as a cerebral infarction?

Cerebral embolism is a type of cerebral infarction, but not completely identical to cerebral infarction. Cerebral embolism occurs when an embolus from another part of the body outside the brain detaches and blocks a cerebral blood vessel. Cerebral embolism generally has a sudden onset, with a rapid development of symptoms, reaching a peak in a very short time, potentially causing severe conditions such as coma and paralysis of limbs within a short period. Common sources of emboli include arterial plaques in the neck vessels, particularly soft arterial plaques that are prone to detachment, forming an embolus that can obstruct cerebral vessels. Another common source of emboli is the detachment of mural thrombi from the inner walls of the heart, typically seen in patients with atrial fibrillation, where thrombi tend to form on the heart's inner walls and can detach to block cerebral vessels. Treatment includes the use of antiplatelet or blood-activating and stasis-dissolving drugs, as well as medications to stabilize plaques. It is vital to actively treat the primary disease, such as using anti-arrhythmic drugs for patients with atrial fibrillation.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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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.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Register in the neurology department for cerebral infarction.

Stroke is a very common disease in neurology. When registering at a hospital, you should definitely see a neurologist. Neurologists have rich experience in diagnosing and treating strokes. There are many causes of stroke, but the most common cause is atherosclerosis, and these patients usually have risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Acute onset of focal neurological deficits such as limb paralysis, numbness, and unclear speech are common clinical manifestations. In terms of treatment, antiplatelet medications and statins are typically used. Additionally, formal rehabilitation exercises are essential. (Specific medications should be administered under the guidance of a doctor, and self-medication should be avoided.)