Causes of Cerebral Infarction

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 26, 2024
00:00
00:00

The specific causes of cerebral infarction are mostly seen in older patients with several underlying diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Over time, without well-controlled blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids, arteriosclerosis can easily form within the blood vessels, or atherosclerotic plaques can develop. Once the plaque forms, under certain triggers, the unstable detachment of the vascular plaque can occur. The embolus then moves with the blood flow into the brain and lodges in a narrowed part of the vessel, causing local blood supply areas to experience narrowing or blockage. At this point, a cerebral infarction is likely to form, leading to ischemia, necrosis, and degeneration of the brain tissue supplied by the vessel, resulting in a softening lesion. On a cranial CT scan and MRI, a local low-density shadow can be observed, which is the specific cause of the cerebral infarction.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Guo Zhi Fei
Neurosurgery
31sec home-news-image

Is a brain infarction dangerous?

The risk associated with a cerebral infarction primarily depends on the extent and location of the infarction. If the infarction is small and located in less critical areas of brain function such as the frontal or temporal lobes, the symptoms may not be severe and might only include dizziness and sleepiness. If the infarction is extensive and occurs in crucial areas such as the basal ganglia, thalamus, or brainstem, the symptoms can be very severe. This could potentially lead to hemiplegia, aphasia, and even coma or death.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
39sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
58sec home-news-image

Premonitory symptoms of cerebral infarction recurrence

The symptoms preceding the recurrence of a cerebral infarction mainly involve observing the symptoms presented during the initial incidence of the stroke. In many cases, the recurrent symptoms are very similar to those initially experienced. For example, if dizziness was a symptom during the previous episode, then dizziness could also be a precursor symptom in a recurrence, with similar nature and intensity of dizziness as before. Additionally, if previous symptoms included limb numbness, weakness, or speech impairment, similar signs might precede a recurrence. Clinically, it is imperative to address these issues before an actual recurrence occurs, such as actively pursuing antiplatelet aggregation therapy, lipid-lowering, and stabilizing plaques, and resorting to surgical treatment if necessary, to better reduce the chances of stroke recurrence.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
53sec home-news-image

What location is used for moxibustion in the treatment of cerebral infarction?

For patients with cerebral infarction, it is usually recommended during the acute phase to conduct a cranial MRI to determine the location and severity of the stroke and to decide the next treatment plan. If surgery is indicated, treatment can be administered through intravenous thrombolysis. If surgery is not indicated, or the optimal treatment time has been missed, it is recommended that the patient be hospitalized for treatment. During the acute phase, medications that invigorate the brain and improve blood circulation while nourishing the nerves are administered, and it is important to monitor any changes in the patient's condition. The effectiveness of moxibustion in treating cerebral infarction is generally moderate. During the recovery phase, patients can try moxibustion, but it is generally advised to seek treatment under the guidance of a Traditional Chinese Medicine physician at a reputable tertiary hospital.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
44sec home-news-image

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.