Is lacunar infarction dangerous?

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on September 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

Lacunar stroke is caused by pathological changes in some small blood vessels inside our skull, due to long-term hypertension or other factors, such as diabetes or immune factors, leading to the occlusion of the vessel lumen and the formation of small infarct lesions. Therefore, when these lesions appear, there may be symptoms, or there may be no symptoms; however, regardless of the situation, the prognosis is generally good. It is also necessary to assess the blood vessels to see if there are any major vascular abnormalities. If major vascular abnormalities are present, it could still be dangerous. If the abnormalities are confined to small vessels, the prognosis is generally good.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
1min 12sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
56sec home-news-image

Treatment of Cerebral Infarction

As society ages, the incidence of cerebral infarction is also increasingly higher, making rational treatment extremely important. Generally, the treatments for cerebral infarction include the following methods: The first point is intravenous thrombolysis, which is a very important treatment plan. If patients can reach the hospital within the thrombolysis time window and are assessed by a neurologist as having no contraindications, they can undergo intravenous thrombolysis treatment, from which many patients benefit. Second, with the advancement of medicine, some patients can also undergo interventional surgery for arterial thrombectomy. Third, the treatment for most patients mainly involves the use of antiplatelet drugs and statins. Additionally, medications that clear free radicals and protect brain cells are provided, along with scientifically-based rehabilitation training.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
2min 10sec home-news-image

Nursing Measures for Patients with Cerebral Infarction

The nursing measures for stroke patients vary according to different conditions. During the acute phase, the primary concern is life-threatening infections, while during the recovery and residual stages, the focus is on preventing various complications and risks. The care measures are categorized as follows: The first is dietary care. Relatives of stroke patients should be reminded that the diet should be light, low in fat, and high in fiber, following the principle of eating small meals frequently. The second is maintaining clear airways, preventing colds, especially tuberculosis, and ensuring that someone watches over the patient at all times. The third is the prevention of bedsores, assisting and maintaining regular patient turning and moderate activity. The fourth involves preventing burns, bruises, falls, and other injuries by creating a safe and comfortable environment for the patient, ensuring their safety and that there are no hazardous objects in the room. The fifth is preventing constipation which can be aided by abdominal massage and eating foods high in fiber. The sixth is preventing urinary tract infections, timely changing diapers for those patients who can urinate independently, or ensuring sterile techniques for those with catheters. The seventh is preventing falls from the bed, especially for those who are restless; installation of bed rails and other safety measures should be considered. The eighth concerns psychological care since many patients tend to become pessimistic and disappointed post-illness. Family members should be caring and provide comfort and encouragement to the patients. The ninth general care measure involves daily oral care with saline solution or brushing teeth every morning and evening, bathing the patient once or twice a week, and daily cleansing of the genital area.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
47sec home-news-image

Can someone with lacunar infarct work?

In cases where a lacunar stroke is discovered, it might be because symptoms have appeared, prompting a check-up that identifies the lacunar stroke. Such situations require proactive treatment; it is necessary to go to the hospital to decide when the treatment should end, after which one can continue working. If, however, a lacunar stroke is found during a routine physical exam without any symptoms, it might have been present for a while without causing any symptoms. In this scenario, one can continue working. However, regardless of the situation, it is advisable to further investigate the blood vessels to check the overall status of the vasculature.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
1min 3sec home-news-image

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.