Clinical symptoms of cerebral embolism

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on March 12, 2025
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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 Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Auxiliary examinations for cerebral embolism

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 Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.

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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 Tang Li Li
Neurology
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What department should one go to for a cerebral embolism?

Patients with cerebral embolism should visit the department of neurology. Cerebral embolism is not a special disease but rather one type of cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction generally includes two types: cerebral thrombosis and cerebral embolism. The former refers to the formation of a thrombus at the site of the vessel occlusion. The latter involves a thrombus originating from another location, which blocks the vessel at the infarct site. The sources of such thrombi are varied, with the most common being from the heart, frequently seen in patients with long-term chronic atrial fibrillation. This condition forms a mural thrombus in the atrium, which, during episodes of atrial fibrillation, can detach, be flushed by the blood stream into the brain, and cause cerebral embolism. Secondly, it occurs in cardiac valve diseases, such as rheumatic heart disease, mitral valve alterations, and others. There are also some other sources of thrombi, such as tumor-induced cancer, amniotic fluid embolism in pregnant women, and fat embolism in patients with fractures.