Is lacunar infarction hereditary?

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Lacunar stroke is a type of small stroke that occurs within the brain due to the narrowing of small arteries. This narrowing is often caused by long-term hypertension or diabetes, among other risk factors, leading to the obstruction of these vessels. Some patients may not exhibit any symptoms, while others might experience mild symptoms. Regardless of the cause, both hypertension and diabetes have genetic components, suggesting that lacunar strokes are influenced by genetics but are not entirely hereditary. Furthermore, the specific location of a lacunar stroke within the brain determines the symptoms experienced, implying that the condition is not solely genetic but does have genetic factors.

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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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Is lacunar infarction dangerous?

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.

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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.

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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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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.