The difference between stroke and cerebral infarction

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on March 20, 2025
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Stroke includes ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke refers to cerebral infarction, while hemorrhagic stroke refers to cerebral hemorrhage. Symptoms such as limb weakness, slurred speech, or other neurological deficits should initially suggest the possibility of a stroke. Whether it is an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke may be related to the symptoms, but a CT scan is essential. If a CT scan rules out cerebral hemorrhage, then cerebral infarction is more likely. The treatment varies with time; within 4.5 hours, if the conditions for thrombolytic therapy are met and there are no contraindications, and the relatives have signed an informed consent, thrombolytic treatment can be administered. If this time window is exceeded, this opportunity is lost, so it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately upon symptom onset.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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The difference between stroke and cerebral infarction

Stroke is divided into hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke involves cerebral hemorrhage, while ischemic stroke involves cerebral infarction. Therefore, the difference is that stroke includes cerebral infarction, which is a type of ischemic stroke. In such cases, it is crucial to seek prompt hospital treatment and examine for risk factors related to cerebrovascular disease. Under the guidance of a doctor, the condition should be stabilized since the acute phase of a cerebral infarction might be unstable and could worsen. Thus, after stabilizing the condition, long-term oral medication will also be necessary to prevent future strokes.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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What department should I go to for a stroke?

Stroke is classified into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. If symptoms of a stroke occur, such as slurred speech, limb weakness, or other neurological deficits, one should immediately seek medical attention at the emergency department of a local hospital. Emergency doctors will perform a head CT scan. If ischemia is present, the CT scan might not show changes within 24 hours, in which case a visit to the neurology department is necessary. If hemorrhage is detected, then a visit to the neurosurgery department is required. However, if the symptoms are of a chronic, old stroke, then a visit to the neurology department is needed.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What is a stroke?

Stroke primarily refers to cerebrovascular disease. Acute onset of stroke usually presents with focal neurological deficits, mainly divided into ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic stroke, primarily referring to cerebral infarction, occurs due to an interruption in the blood supply to the brain, causing vessel occlusion and resulting in various clinical syndromes. Clinically, it presents rapidly with symptoms such as limb paralysis, slurred speech, and facial drooping. The pathogenesis of ischemic stroke is caused by central arteriosclerosis of large vessels. Additionally, stroke also includes cerebral embolism, mainly referring to atrial fibrillation-induced emboli from wall-attached thrombi, and other foreign bodies causing embolic blockage, leading to necrosis of brain tissue. Stroke also encompasses hemorrhagic stroke, with a typical condition being cerebral hemorrhage, which is due to long-term hypertension causing hyaline degeneration of the small arterial walls, eventually leading to necrosis and rupture with bleeding, resulting in neurological deficits.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What is good to eat after a stroke?

Stroke primarily refers to cerebrovascular diseases, among which cerebral infarction has the highest incidence rate. Regarding diet after experiencing a cerebral infarction, it mainly falls into two categories: The first category is medications. If it is a cerebral thrombosis, it is crucial to strictly control blood pressure and blood sugar using appropriate medications. Additionally, it is necessary to take medications to prevent the recurrence of thrombosis. These medications primarily include antiplatelet agents and drugs that regulate blood lipids to stabilize plaques. Furthermore, traditional Chinese medicines that invigorate the blood and remove stasis can also be used. These medicines also help to improve blood circulation. In terms of diet, it is essential to follow a low-salt, low-fat diet, avoid overly greasy foods, and eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits regularly. High-quality proteins should also be included, such as drinking milk and eating beef. Whole grains should not be omitted to ensure a balanced diet and promote recovery.

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Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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The soft paralysis phase of a stroke refers to a few weeks after the onset.

The recovery of stroke patients is generally divided into four phases: the flaccid phase, also known as the hypotonic phase, the spastic phase, the recovery phase, and the sequelae phase. The symptoms of the flaccid phase mainly include muscle relaxation, low muscle tone, and lack of autonomous movement. The majority of patients maintain the flaccid phase for about one to three weeks, and depending on the individual's condition, they generally begin to enter the spastic phase after one to three weeks. A small portion of patients with severe conditions and poor initiative, who have not undergone formal rehabilitation training, may extend their flaccid phase to more than a month or even longer. Therefore, receiving early formal rehabilitation training to improve muscle strength and spasticity treatment can allow patients to smoothly transition through the flaccid phase and gradually enter the spastic phase. Good management of spasticity is even more beneficial for the patient’s recovery. Rehabilitation training can help stroke patients recover sooner and faster.