Can cerebral embolism be treated with thrombolysis?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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For patients with cerebral embolism, if the onset is not particularly severe and the area of the embolism is not very large, for example, if the patient's consciousness is still clear, then thrombolysis can still be feasible. It is now also relatively advocated because the risk of cerebral hemorrhage is relatively small in such cases. However, if the area of the cerebral embolism is large, especially if the patient has fallen into a coma or other consciousness disorders, and shows conjugate gaze palsy, then the risk of thrombolysis is very high, and there is a very likely risk of conversion to cerebral hemorrhage. In such cases, thrombolysis is not recommended, and arterial thrombectomy can be performed instead, which can greatly save the patient's life and improve the quality of life. Besides thrombolysis and thrombectomy, anticoagulant therapy should also be administered after the condition stabilizes, as most cases of cerebral embolism are caused by atrial fibrillation, and anticoagulant therapy can prevent future attacks.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can people with cerebral embolism eat pork?

Patients with cerebral embolism generally suffer from heart diseases. For example, myocardial infarction can cause mural thrombi or atrial fibrillation, leading to thrombi in the left atrial appendage. These thrombi may detach and enter the cerebral arteries, resulting in cerebral embolism. The onset is quite severe, with patients rapidly developing symptoms that quickly peak. Clinical manifestations may include speech impairment, limb paralysis, and numbness. In severe cases, due to extensive damage, patients may experience coma or even death. Patients with cerebral embolism can consume small amounts of pork, but it is advisable to eat mainly lean pork. Lean pork contains some protein and B vitamins, which are beneficial for brain recovery. It is not advisable to eat fatty parts, as they can increase blood lipids and lead to arteriosclerosis.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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symptoms of cerebral embolism

Cerebral embolism generally has a rapid onset and develops quickly, often occurring during physical activity. Within a short period of time, the condition can peak, and patients may experience sudden coma or complete paralysis of one side of the body, as well as aphasia, dementia, and cognitive dysfunction. Overall, the progression of the disease is very fast and can reach a peak in a short time. These patients often have underlying diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, which is a type of arrhythmia. In patients with atrial fibrillation, mural thrombi can form on the inner walls of the heart. These thrombi can detach and, carried by the bloodstream, block cerebral vessels, leading to cerebral embolism. Additionally, some patients have a foundation of arteriosclerosis, particularly in the carotid arteries, which can form plaques, especially soft plaques. When these plaques detach, they can form emboli that block cerebral vessels, causing cerebral embolism.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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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.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Guidelines for Thrombolytic Therapy for Cerebral Embolism

Cerebral embolism is a particularly dangerous type of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Patients present with a very abrupt onset, typically with a history of atrial fibrillation. Acute onset rapidly leads to limb paralysis, and may also cause disturbances in consciousness and seizures, among other clinical manifestations. Current guidelines for thrombolytic treatment of cerebral embolism do not address extensive cerebral embolism, as thrombolysis in extensive cerebral embolism carries a certain risk of bleeding and is not generally advocated in clinical practice. Mainly, arterial thrombectomy treatment can be administered within an eight-hour window, which can provide significant therapeutic effects for some patients. Additionally, if the cerebral embolism is considered small and the patient's consciousness is relatively intact, intravenous thrombolytic treatment can be given. The time window for intravenous thrombolysis is generally within four and a half hours, so it is crucial to get to a hospital as quickly as possible in the event of a suspected cerebral embolism.