How long does one need to be hospitalized for a cerebral infarction?

Written by Chen Ya

Geriatrics

Updated on September 10, 2024

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The duration of hospitalization for cerebral infarction varies from person to person, depending on the different conditions of the stroke patients, the different causes of the stroke, and the different treatment goals. Generally, the hospitalization time is seven to fourteen days. If the condition of the cerebral infarction is relatively mild, it is also possible to be discharged in five to seven days. However, for some patients with severe conditions, even those who are in a coma or have complications, the hospitalization time will be longer.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao

Neurology

1min 11sec

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Does cerebral infarction require long-term medication?

Patients with cerebral infarction need to take medication long term. Generally, patients with cerebral infarction have underlying diseases such as cerebral arteriosclerosis and hyperlipidemia, or hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Therefore, cerebral infarction patients need long-term medication to control blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar. Additionally, they should take antiplatelet drugs to prevent new thrombus formation and drugs to combat arteriosclerosis to prevent the worsening of cerebral arteriosclerosis and cerebral vascular stenosis. The focus of treatment is also on preventing other blood vessels from blocking, which could lead to a recurrence or worsening of cerebral infarction. Thus, patients with cerebral infarction need long-term medication and regular check-ups during the medication period, including blood tests and liver and kidney function tests, to monitor for any drug-induced liver or kidney damage. If no damage is apparent, they generally need to continue taking medication long-term. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Chen Ya

Geriatrics

1min 3sec

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How long can someone with a complete paralysis from a cerebral infarction survive?

The life expectancy of patients with total paralysis from cerebral infarction cannot be generalized, as it depends on the size and location of the stroke, as well as the treatment received. A larger affected area, especially if the stroke occurs in a critical area like the brainstem, and if treatment is delayed, may result in the patient not surviving the acute phase due to high intracranial pressure, which can be fatal. If a patient survives the acute phase and moves into the residual effects phase, the outcome will depend on the rehabilitation treatment received, as well as care from family and community nursing. Such patients are prone to complications, such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. The initial stroke may not be fatal, but the treatment outcomes vary significantly. Some patients, if well cared for and treated promptly without recurring episodes, can have a comparatively long lifespan.

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Written by Tang Bo

Neurology

1min 12sec

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Cerebral infarction X-ray manifestations

Brain infarction generally does not involve X-rays because X-rays primarily target bone issues, not brain tissue issues. If a brain infarction occurs, a cranial CT or MRI can be performed. In acute cases of sudden onset, a cranial CT is primarily used to exclude cerebral hemorrhage, as brain infarction typically does not show up in the acute phase. However, in cases of extensive brain infarction, changes might also appear on a CT during the acute phase. Additionally, after the acute phase, about 1 day or 24 hours later, brain infarctions generally appear as low-density shadows on a CT. On an MRI, in diffusion imaging, brain infarctions generally appear as high-density, high-signal areas, while they appear as low-signal areas in T1 imaging and high-signal areas in T2 imaging. It is also suggested to perform cranial magnetic resonance angiography to examine the status of the blood vessels.

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Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

46sec

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What is a cerebral infarction?

Brain infarction is also relatively common in clinical practice, mainly seen in elderly people, generally accompanied by underlying diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Brain infarction is primarily caused by the blockage of cerebral blood vessels, leading to necrosis of brain tissue due to ischemia and hypoxia. After a brain infarction occurs, patients should seek medical attention in a timely manner and be admitted to the department of neurology or neurosurgery for systematic drug treatment. If the infarction area is large or a brain herniation has formed, surgical intervention should be considered, such as decompressive craniectomy and lowering intracranial pressure.

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Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

36sec

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How should aspirin be taken for cerebral infarction?

Aspirin should be taken for cerebral infarction. It can be used not only during the acute phase of cerebral infarction but also for secondary prevention treatment. If a patient suffers a cerebral infarction, thrombolytic interventional surgery can be conducted during the acute phase window. If the patient has missed the time for surgery, then choosing antiplatelet drugs like aspirin and clopidogrel, along with atorvastatin for lipid regulation and stabilizing plaques, is advisable. A follow-up CT should be done dynamically, and changes in the patient's consciousness and pupils should be monitored.