Causes of Cerebral Infarction

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on April 30, 2025
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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 Tang Bo
Neurology
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How is lacunar infarction treated?

Lacunar stroke is a type of cerebral stroke characterized by lesions smaller than 1.5 cm in diameter. Often, these can be discovered incidentally on a CT or MRI scan in asymptomatic patients. In such cases, it's important to evaluate whether the patient has risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes, and consider the patient's age, smoking, and drinking habits. Further assessments with cranial MRI angiography or other vascular imaging are recommended to clarify the state of the blood vessels and guide treatment. Additionally, some patients may experience an acute onset with symptoms like slurred speech or limb weakness. Although these symptoms might be mild, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention to assess the blood vessels and guide further treatment based on the physician's physical examination of the patient.

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Written by Sheng Wang
Neurology
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How is lacunar stroke treated?

Lacunar infarction is a cerebrovascular disease. For lacunar infarctions caused by arteriosclerotic atherosclerosis, the main treatment is to prevent recurrence of infarction and dislodged plaques that cause blockages. Therefore, it is necessary to initiate treatments like aspirin, antiplatelet therapy, and atorvastatin to lower blood lipids and stabilize plaques. It is also important to control risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, as well as conditions like hyperuricemia and hyperhomocysteinemia.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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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 Tang Bo
Neurology
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How many years can a person live with a lacunar stroke?

Lacunar stroke occurs when the small arteries within our brain undergo pathological changes due to long-term high blood pressure, leading to occlusion of the vessel lumen and consequently forming small stroke lesions. Generally, patients may exhibit symptoms, but these symptoms are usually mild. However, some patients are diagnosed during physical examinations. Regardless of the case, the prognosis is good, and lacunar stroke does not pose a life-threatening risk. Nevertheless, once a lacunar stroke occurs, it is essential to further investigate the condition of the blood vessels and check for risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Based on the situation, secondary prevention should be carried out to prevent another stroke.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Is lacunar infarction a serious illness?

Lacunar stroke is a condition where small blood vessels in the cerebral hemispheres or brainstem undergo pathological changes and eventually become occluded as a result of common risk factors such as prolonged hypertension or diabetes. This leads to the necrosis of brain tissue. Typically, the infarct size is less than 1.5 to 2 centimeters, resulting in clinical syndromes associated with impaired neurological functions governed by the affected area. Often, lacunar strokes may be asymptomatic in some patients, while others may experience mild symptoms. Generally, the prognosis of this disease is good.