Auxiliary examinations for cerebral embolism

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on February 07, 2025
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Patients with cerebral embolism need to undergo a cranial MRI to observe the location of the embolism, the area of brain tissue necrosis, and the age of the lesion, which is helpful in assessing the severity of the disease and prognosis. Additionally, it is necessary to examine the cervical vasculature with Doppler ultrasound to check for the presence of carotid artery plaques, especially soft plaques which are prone to detachment and can form emboli, blocking cerebral vessels and potentially causing recurrence or exacerbation of cerebral embolism. Furthermore, an echocardiogram of the heart is required because another common source of emboli in cerebral embolism is mural thrombi in the heart, particularly in patients with arrhythmias or atrial fibrillation, who are more prone to form mural thrombi. Therefore, patients with cerebral embolism need to have an echocardiogram to check for the presence of mural thrombi. If present, anticoagulant medication is required for treatment. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Can people with cerebral embolism run?

Patients with cerebral embolism can jog moderately, but walking is highly recommended. This is because the common source of the embolus in cerebral embolism patients is a mural thrombus in the heart. The common causes of mural thrombus formation include arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. Therefore, patients with cerebral embolism, who may also have coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, or cardiac mural thrombus, are not well-suited for running, which is a relatively intense form of exercise. They can jog moderately, but the distance and duration should not be too long. The most recommended form of exercise is walking. Walking is the best form of exercise to prevent worsening the condition after running, and it could also exacerbate coronary artery disease conditions.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Clinical symptoms of cerebral embolism

Patients with cerebral embolism typically exhibit a sudden onset and rapid progression of the condition, often occurring during physical activity and rapidly reaching its peak. Clinically, this can result in immediate and complete paralysis of one side of the body or total aphasia, and in some cases, it can also lead to a swift onset of coma. Additionally, these patients often experience accompanying conditions such as arrhythmias, carotid artery plaque formation, and arteriosclerosis. The common sources of emboli in cerebral embolism are thrombi attached to the heart wall or plaques formed in the carotid artery. Therefore, these patients often have a history of hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, plaque formation in arteries, atrial fibrillation, or coronary artery disease.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What fluid is infused for cerebral embolism?

Cerebral embolism is a type of ischemic cerebrovascular disease, occurring when an abnormal clot travels to the brain and blocks an artery, leading to corresponding clinical symptoms. Patients may experience speech impairments, motor dysfunctions, limb numbness, and even consciousness disturbances among other clinical manifestations. Some individuals with cerebral embolism may even develop epilepsy. The primary treatment for patients with cerebral embolism involves anticoagulation therapy. Additionally, intravenous medications are mainly used to reduce cerebral edema, activate blood circulation and remove stasis, protect brain cells, and eliminate free radicals. Medications to improve collateral circulation via intravenous routes are also applicable. Generally, the prognosis of cerebral embolism is not very good; it is prone to transition to cerebral hemorrhage and may leave sequelae such as epilepsy. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Which department should I go to for a cerebral embolism?

The patient has experienced a cerebral embolism, and it is definitely recommended to seek appropriate medical care in neurology. Neurologists have seen many patients with cerebral embolism and have rich experience in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. The onset of cerebral embolism is quite severe, and patients generally may have a history of cardiac diseases, such as atrial fibrillation. It is crucial to go to the hospital as soon as possible if a cerebral embolism occurs. If within the time window for thrombectomy, such as within eight hours, relevant thrombectomy treatment can be performed. Additionally, some hospitals carry out thrombectomy treatments in neurosurgery or interventional departments. Therefore, if a cerebral embolism requires surgical treatment, one can also visit the interventional department or neurosurgery. After the condition of a cerebral embolism patient stabilizes, routine anticoagulation therapy is necessary to prevent a recurrence of the cerebral embolism.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Can people with cerebral embolism eat mutton?

Patients with cerebral embolism can eat lamb, but should do so in moderation and not excessively. This is because a common cause of cerebral embolism is the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the neck arteries, particularly soft plaques. When these soft plaques detach, they form an embolus that, carried by the bloodstream, can block cerebral vessels and cause a cerebral embolism. Thus, many of these patients often have hyperlipidemia, with a basis of arteriosclerosis and arterial plaques. Therefore, their diet should be low in salt and low in fat, and overall light. Foods that are overly greasy or high in fat should be avoided as much as possible, such as animal organs and fatty meats which are high in fat. Lamb can be eaten in proper amounts. Other dietary considerations include avoiding overly salty foods, as excessive salt intake can lead to increased blood pressure, further aggravating arteriosclerosis and arterial plaques, and leading to the onset of cerebral embolism.