What to do about cerebral embolism?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 12, 2024
00:00
00:00

The onset of cerebral embolism is very sudden, and most cases of cerebral embolism are caused by heart disease. For instance, atrial fibrillation or myocardial infarction can lead to cerebral embolism, which requires immediate medical attention. If it is within the time window for arterial thrombectomy, it is best to proceed with the arterial thrombectomy treatment, and this window typically ranges from six to eight hours. If the time window is missed, the patient should primarily be kept on bed rest and given medications to protect and nourish brain cells. If intracranial pressure is high, medications to reduce dehydration and lower cranial pressure should be administered. After the acute phase, anticoagulation treatment should also be provided to prevent future occurrences of cerebral embolism. Additionally, care should be taken to prevent complications such as pulmonary infections, urinary system infections, and bedsores.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Is cerebral embolism the same as cerebral infarction?

Brain embolism is a form of cerebral infarction, so essentially, it is also a type of cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction encompasses a wider range, including cerebral thrombosis, lacunar infarction, watershed infarction, and others. Brain embolism primarily refers to abnormal substances entering the bloodstream, which then enter the arteries of the brain, causing obstruction in these arteries and leading to ischemia and hypoxia of the brain tissue, thus presenting clinical symptoms of cerebral infarction. The onset of the condition in patients is quite severe, rapidly leading to paralysis of limbs and disorders of speech function. In cases of extensive brain embolism, patients may even experience coma and death as serious complications. Most patients with brain embolism have a history of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation can lead to the formation of mural thrombi, and when these thrombi dislodge, they can cause brain embolism.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 5sec home-news-image

Can cerebral embolism be treated with thrombolysis?

Cerebral embolism is a relatively common ischemic cerebrovascular disease. If the area of cerebral embolism is very large and it exceeds the time window for thrombolysis, and if the patient is elderly with multiple underlying diseases, then thrombolysis is not recommended. Patients with large-area cerebral embolism have a higher probability of transitioning to cerebral hemorrhage, thus the risk of thrombolysis is very high. However, if it is within the time window for arterial thrombectomy, it is advocated to undergo arterial thrombectomy treatment. Family members can communicate more with the doctor to choose the appropriate treatment plan. If the symptoms of cerebral embolism are relatively mild, the affected area is considered small, and it is within three hours, then intravenous thrombolysis treatment could be considered. Patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis must ensure that a cranial CT is rechecked within 24 hours to exclude any secondary bleeding.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Can people with cerebral embolism eat beef?

Patients with cerebral embolism can eat beef, as it contains rich high-quality proteins. These proteins can enhance the body's resistance and prevent complications such as lung and urinary tract infections following a cerebral embolism. Additionally, beef is rich in B vitamins such as vitamin B1 and B12, which also nourish the nerves. Cerebral embolism is an acute disease that often strikes suddenly, generally in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation, presenting with rapid onset and paralysis of limbs. Treatment involves timely administration of anticoagulants and statin drugs. Furthermore, after stabilization of the condition, active rehabilitation training is important. In terms of diet, in addition to beef, patients can also consume milk and eggs and should eat a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits. (Note: The answer is for reference only, please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
50sec home-news-image

What department should I go to for a cerebral embolism?

Brain embolism is a disease in the field of neurology, and one can consult a department of neurology for it. Patients with brain embolism often have a rapid onset, generally with a history of atrial fibrillation. Some thrombi attached to the heart dislodge into the cerebral arteries, causing brain embolism. Symptoms can rapidly develop, including limb paralysis and speech disorders. If the affected area in the brain is large, it may even lead to consciousness disorders and epileptic seizures. For the treatment of brain embolism, interventional thrombectomy can be performed, but there is a strict limitation on the timing window. It should be noted that patients with brain embolism have a high probability of transforming into cerebral hemorrhage, and caution must be exercised during treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
1min 15sec home-news-image

How to treat cerebral embolism?

Brain embolism generally blocks relatively larger cerebral blood vessels and often leads to extensive death of brain cells. Therefore, patients with brain embolism are primarily treated with medications that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis to improve circulation. Additionally, patients with brain embolism often experience an increase in intracranial pressure, so it is necessary to use medications that reduce intracranial pressure and alleviate brain cell edema. Patients with brain embolism might experience disturbances in consciousness and are prone to develop aspiration pneumonia or dependent pneumonia, so anti-infection medications may be utilized for treatment. Some may also suffer from stress-related gastrointestinal ulcers, or even gastrointestinal ulcer bleeding, thus requiring medications that inhibit gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa. Other treatments target the cause of the condition. A common cause is the detachment of carotid artery plaques, therefore, medications that prevent arteriosclerosis and stabilize plaques are also used. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)