Causes of Cerebral Infarction

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 25, 2024
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At present, there is no consensus on the specific causes of cerebral infarction. It is mostly seen in patients with underlying diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, where there has not been adequate control of the patient's blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. This can lead to significant increases in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Over time, this might result in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the patient’s blood vessels. When these plaques break off and enter the bloodstream, they travel with the blood flow and can lodge in the narrow vessels of the brain. This causes blockage of the blood vessel and leads to ischemia, necrosis, softening, and degeneration of the brain tissue in the affected blood supply area, ultimately causing a cerebral infarction.

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Written by Shu Zhi Qiang
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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.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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What tests are done for a cerebral infarction?

For patients with cerebral infarction, it is recommended to take the patient to a local hospital for timely treatment during the acute phase. A cranial CT scan or MRI should be performed to help assess the current situation. Cranial MRI plays an important auxiliary diagnostic role in identifying the specific location, extent, and severity of the cerebral infarction. It is advised to perform a cranial MRI during the acute phase for a clear diagnosis, and then decide the next step of the treatment plan based on the situation. Within the surgical window, thrombolytic therapy can be applied to achieve dissolution of the clot. If the optimal timing for thrombolysis has been missed, it is recommended that the patient be hospitalized to receive treatment, including intravenous drips, brain-nourishing drugs, nerve nutrition, and medications that invigorate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, to help improve the state of ischemia and hypoxia in the brain tissue.

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Symptoms of stroke worsened in the elderly

Elderly people who experience a cerebral infarction (stroke) may show several typical symptoms if the condition worsens. Firstly, their speech may suddenly become unclear, accompanied by a slight drooping of the mouth and drooling. Another symptom is difficulty in extending the tongue straight out, as it may not align centrally. Additionally, there may be weakness in the limbs. These symptoms indicate the presence of a new cerebral infarction lesion. In such cases, it is crucial to promptly go to the hospital for a head CT scan or an MRI to determine whether the scope of the stroke has expanded or if a new stroke has occurred.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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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.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
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Can someone who has had a cerebral infarction eat eggs?

Patients with cerebral infarction can eat eggs. In clinical practice, many people believe that eggs, especially egg yolks, contain very high cholesterol, which can easily lead to hyperlipidemia. However, this does not specifically cause hyperlipidemia. Eating one egg a day generally does not have a severe impact on the human body. After all, the human body is constantly active and consumes nutrients. Eating an egg will not particularly affect the body but will supplement many proteins and other essential substances. Therefore, it is best to eat eggs. However, if there are other symptoms present, such as difficulty swallowing, coughing while eating, or a comatose state, then eggs should not be consumed. It is crucial to make judgments based on the situation.