Subscribe
Cerebral infarction (Stroke)
post-stroke sequelae
Brain infarction is a very common type of ischemic cerebrovascular disease, which mainly includes the following types: the most common are lacunar infarction, cerebral thrombosis, and cerebral embolism. The neurological sequelae of lacunar infarction are not particularly typical, and patients may exhibit mild incomplete paralysis of limbs, decreased muscle strength, reduced sensation, or ataxia. Cerebral thrombosis and cerebral embolism often cause extensive brain infarction, where patients typically experience severe limb paralysis, loss of sensation, increased tendon reflexes, positive pathological reflexes, and an inability to care for themselves.
Is a cerebral infarction serious?
Stroke is a very serious disease; its essence lies in the ischemic necrosis of nerve cells. A characteristic of nerve cells is that once they undergo ischemic necrosis, they cannot regenerate. Along with cardiac muscle cells, they are the only cells in the human body that cannot regenerate once they have died. Therefore, for the part of the tissue where nerve cells have already died, such as in cases of cerebral thrombosis or stroke where the tissue has already been affected, it is impossible to completely restore it. If the affected area is relatively small, some compensation might be possible. However, if the affected area is relatively large, this will lead to a significant amount of ischemic necrosis in the neural tissue, which can cause total dysfunction of various tissue structures in the body, and in more severe cases, can lead to coma and eventually the death of the patient. Therefore, it is imperative to take this seriously in clinical practice.
Massage methods for cerebral infarction
For patients with cerebral infarction, many of them suffer from facial paralysis, often characterized by crooked mouth and eyes and drooling. To alleviate symptoms and help improve the asymmetry of the mouth and eyes, it is suggested to massage the facial and neck muscles of the patient. It is generally recommended to seek an experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner who can use manual massage techniques, targeting specific acupoints to effectively relieve pain and improve symptoms. For patients with motor dysfunction or even hemiplegia, manual massage can effectively help prevent muscle atrophy, relieve muscle rigidity, and reduce muscle tone.
Can the blood vessels in a cerebral infarction be unblocked?
Whether the blood vessels in a cerebral infarction can be reopened is closely related to time. If it is within the hyperacute phase, which means within six hours from the onset of clinical symptoms to hospital admission, the majority of cases can undergo thrombolysis intravenously, or arterial thrombectomy to reopen the blood vessels. However, if the time exceeds this window, reopening is no longer feasible, and forced reopening at this stage can easily lead to the detachment of distal thrombi or cause reperfusion injury, which is more detrimental to the patient's condition. Therefore, it is impossible to reopen the blood vessels during the chronic phase or non-hyperacute phase. If treatment of this vascular occlusion is desired, vascular anastomosis can be considered, though the specific type of anastomosis surgery depends on the patient's specific condition at the time. Thus, the possibility of reopening a blood vessel in a cerebral infarction certainly depends on timing.
Can a cerebral infarction be cured?
Stroke is the most common cerebrovascular disease. It occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the brain become blocked, leading to ischemic necrosis of the brain tissue in that region. This results in a series of neurological deficits. Theoretically, once a stroke has occurred, it cannot be completely cured because brain cells are non-regenerative. Once they die, they cannot be revived, and the function of the neurons in that area is completely lost. However, the significance of acute phase treatment lies in the rescue of the ischemic penumbra. The function of these cells can be restored after treatment, and thereafter, they may compensate for the function of the central necrotic area. Thus, patients who receive treatment may regain some neurological functions. Another condition is that the patient must be brought to the hospital within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. If there are no clear contraindications, RT-PA intravenous thrombolytic treatment can be administered. The success rate of this thrombolysis is relatively high, and about 30% of patients may be fully cured without any sequelae.
Precursors to cerebral infarction
For patients with cerebral infarction, before the onset of the illness, they often lack specific prodromal symptoms. Some patients may experience mild headaches, dizziness, nausea, and a clear feeling of discomfort. Additionally, some patients might experience numbness in the legs and involuntary twitching of facial muscles before the onset. Subsequently, some patients may also start to have drooping of the corner of the mouth to one side, drooling, slurred speech, and distinct articulation disorders. When these clinical presentations occur, it is necessary to be vigilant and seek timely medical attention at a local hospital. A cranial CT or MRI should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.