Lacunar Infarct Nursing Issues

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Lacunar stroke is caused by the blockage of small blood vessels in our skull due to long-term risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, leading to a stroke. Generally, the area of infarction is relatively small, typically less than 1.5 to 2 centimeters. Symptoms may or may not be present. In either case, the symptoms are usually mild and the prognosis is generally good. There are no special strict nursing requirements. If patients are active and can take care of themselves, they do not need special care. Furthermore, it is crucial to focus on secondary prevention, which is to prevent further occurrence of stroke, and to seek further treatment from a neurologist.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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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 Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Imaging manifestations of cerebral infarction

For patients with cerebral infarction, in addition to collecting medical history and clarifying symptoms and signs, imaging examinations are also very important for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of cerebral infarction. They are indispensable tools in clinical examinations. Cerebral infarction primarily requires cranial CT and MRI scans. On cranial CT, cerebral infarction lesions mainly appear as low-density areas and are easily distinguishable from cerebral hemorrhage. The lesions may cause swelling and have a certain mass effect. In cranial MRI, the appearance of cerebral infarction is primarily seen in diffusion-weighted imaging as a distinctly high signal, making it very easy to identify the responsible lesions. In T2-weighted images, the high signal is also clearly visible and easier to differentiate.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What is the cause of swollen feet after a stroke?

Patients with cerebral infarction presenting with swollen feet and lower limb edema should be aware of the following reasons. The first scenario is due to reduced activity in the limbs on the paralyzed side, which results in weaker muscle contraction. Consequently, a large amount of blood accumulates in the lower limb veins, causing poor circulation and naturally leading to swollen feet. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to begin early rehabilitation training, engage in muscle massage, and perform passive joint exercises, among other activities. The second scenario that requires close attention is the formation of venous thrombosis in the lower limbs on the paralyzed side after a cerebral infarction. This condition can easily lead to venous thrombosis, which significantly contributes to foot swelling. Furthermore, it increases the risk of pulmonary embolism. It is important to complete routine coagulation tests and d-dimer examinations, as well as comprehensive lower limb venous Doppler ultrasound assessments.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Is lacunar infarction hereditary?

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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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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How long can one survive after a stroke?

The lifespan after a stroke depends on the location and area of the stroke, the treatment received, and subsequent complications. Some patients with severe acute strokes are at risk of life-threatening conditions, and not everyone survives this acute phase. Those who do survive and enter the recovery and post-effects phases can extend their lifespan by controlling risk factors for stroke, delaying or preventing recurrence. Early rehabilitation, such as acupuncture during the early recovery phase, does not affect the normal lifespan in mild cases. However, recurrent strokes can shorten the lifespan, especially if complications like aspiration pneumonia occur afterward.