post-stroke sequelae

Written by Shu Zhi Qiang
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 06, 2024
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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 Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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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.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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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.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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What department should I go to for a cerebral infarction?

When a patient suffers a stroke, it is advised to promptly visit a local hospital and consult a neurologist to assess the condition. Often, when an acute stroke occurs, treatment can be administered through thrombolysis. If the window for thrombolytic therapy is missed, conservative pharmacological treatment is recommended. Clinically, it is generally recommended to treat patients with medications that enhance brain function, promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and nourish the nerves. Patients’ vital signs should be closely monitored, and dynamic reassessment through head CT or MRI should be conducted to observe changes in the patient's condition. In cases of extensive stroke, it may be necessary to transfer the patient to neurosurgery for decompressive craniectomy surgery.

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Written by Li Qiang
Intensive Care Unit
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The difference between lacunar infarction and cerebral infarction

Lacunar stroke is a type of cerebral infarction and is considered the mildest form within strokes. Generally, the area affected by a lacunar infarction is very small, so if it is a single incident or there are not many lacunar strokes, it usually does not cause any symptoms. Many middle-aged and elderly people over the age of fifty or sixty who undergo routine CT scans during physical examinations exhibit signs of lacunar stroke on their CT images, yet most of them do not present any clinical symptoms. Therefore, lacunar stroke may only affect brain function and result in symptoms such as speech difficulties, slow reactions, weakened muscle strength in the limbs, or lack of coordination when there are numerous occurrences. Cerebral infarction can include strokes that affect larger areas of the brain, which are much more severe than lacunar strokes. These larger strokes are sufficient to cause clinical symptoms, which may include hemiplegia, drooping of the corner of the mouth and drooling, abnormal limb movements, and even fatal events in cases of extensive cerebral infarction. Thus, lacunar stroke, being a type of cerebral infarction, represents the mildest form of stroke.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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Is a grade II cerebral infarction serious?

A second-degree cerebral infarction is a very serious matter that must be given significant attention clinically. Once a cerebral infarction occurs, it indicates very poor vascular quality. If proactive treatment and prevention are not undertaken to prevent further progression, the symptoms of cerebral infarction can worsen and recur frequently. This can cause severe harm not only to the patient but also to their family and society. This is particularly true for patients with severe, long-term bedridden hemiplegia, which further increases the burden on families and society. Therefore, once a cerebral infarction occurs, regardless of the circumstances, it is crucial to complete the necessary examinations and take timely treatment measures to better manage the progression of the condition.