Is lacunar infarction a serious illness?

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Lacunar stroke is a condition where small blood vessels in the cerebral hemispheres or brainstem undergo pathological changes and eventually become occluded as a result of common risk factors such as prolonged hypertension or diabetes. This leads to the necrosis of brain tissue. Typically, the infarct size is less than 1.5 to 2 centimeters, resulting in clinical syndromes associated with impaired neurological functions governed by the affected area. Often, lacunar strokes may be asymptomatic in some patients, while others may experience mild symptoms. Generally, the prognosis of this disease is good.

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Geriatrics
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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.

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Neurology
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How many years can a person live with a lacunar stroke?

Lacunar stroke occurs when the small arteries within our brain undergo pathological changes due to long-term high blood pressure, leading to occlusion of the vessel lumen and consequently forming small stroke lesions. Generally, patients may exhibit symptoms, but these symptoms are usually mild. However, some patients are diagnosed during physical examinations. Regardless of the case, the prognosis is good, and lacunar stroke does not pose a life-threatening risk. Nevertheless, once a lacunar stroke occurs, it is essential to further investigate the condition of the blood vessels and check for risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Based on the situation, secondary prevention should be carried out to prevent another stroke.

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Neurology
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What to eat for lacunar infarct.

Lacunar stroke is a type of cerebral infarction caused by small vessel disease that leads to the occlusion of cerebral vessels. Therefore, the dietary recommendations for lacunar stroke are similar to those for general stroke. For patients who are overweight, it is important to control body weight. It is recommended to reduce the intake of animal liver and other organ meats, as well as foods high in cholesterol or fat. It is advisable to consume high-quality proteins such as milk, duck, fish, and soy products. The intake of pork, beef, and lamb, especially fatty cuts, should be minimized and lean meats should be emphasized. Additionally, it is beneficial to consume more vitamin-rich foods such as tomatoes and fruits, and to increase the intake of vegetables. Diets should be light and avoid excessive salt intake to prevent hypertension, which can also lead to lacunar stroke.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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How long does one need to be hospitalized for a cerebral infarction?

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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Neurology
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Can lacunar infarction be treated?

Lacunar stroke is a type of cerebral infarction. It occurs due to long-term hypertension or other causes leading to arteriosclerosis in the small vessels inside the skull or other thrombus formations, leading to stroke. It is treatable, and the treatment is generally the same as for other types of strokes. Early on, depending on the patient’s condition, thrombolytic treatment can be chosen if it is within 4.5 hours from onset. However, if the symptoms are mild, the benefits and risks should be weighed. Treatment may also include antiplatelet therapy to improve circulation, lipid-lowering, and plaque stabilization. It is also necessary to tailor treatment to the individual patient and to further investigate whether there is significant narrowing of the vessels to guide prognosis.