CT manifestations of cerebral infarction

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on February 25, 2025
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Brain infarction has different manifestations on CT scans at different stages. Generally, within 24 hours, the CT scan may not show any imaging of the cerebral infarction lesion. However, some patients, especially those with thrombosis in the middle cerebral artery, might exhibit a high density sign in the middle cerebral artery. In cases of large-scale cerebral infarction, some sulci on the side affected by the infarction may appear shallower, indicating possible brain swelling. Generally, within 24 hours, a CT scan can reveal a low-density image, which appears relatively darker. This condition is typically considered a brain infarction, and as time progresses, this dark, or low-density image, tends to become even darker. In some patients during the acute phase, although the infarction may not be apparent, a CT scan is performed to rule out bleeding, as CT is very sensitive to bleeding.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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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.

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Written by Tang Bo
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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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Symptoms of cerebral infarction

Patients with cerebral infarction may exhibit paralysis of one side of the body and aphasia. If the patient has a brainstem infarction, symptoms may include unclear speech, difficulty swallowing, and coughing while eating. In cases of cerebellar infarction, there may not be symptoms of hemiplegia; the main symptom is usually dizziness. Additionally, large-scale cerebral infarctions can lead to disturbances in consciousness, manifesting as coma. Typically, cerebral infarctions do not affect consciousness unless they are extensive, which may also lead to coma. Moreover, patients with cerebral infarction often experience symptoms while resting quietly, commonly waking up in the morning to find themselves unable to speak or with paralysis on one side of the body, although their consciousness remains clear. These are typical manifestations of cerebral infarction.

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Written by Xie Wen
Neurology
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Stroke rehabilitation exercise

In the early stages of a stroke, for bedridden patients, passive limb exercises can be conducted at the bedside. This includes joint loosening exercises and passive flexing of knee and elbow joints to prevent joint contractures. When not exercising, proper limb positioning is needed; sandbags can be placed on the inside of the upper limbs to avoid internal rotation, and the legs should be placed in stiff cloth shoes or T-bar shoes to prevent external rotation. Once the patient enters the recovery phase, they can gradually begin standing and walking exercises, while also receiving treatments such as medications, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and acupuncture. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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CT manifestations of cerebral infarction

Brain infarction has different manifestations on CT scans at different stages. Generally, within 24 hours, the CT scan may not show any imaging of the cerebral infarction lesion. However, some patients, especially those with thrombosis in the middle cerebral artery, might exhibit a high density sign in the middle cerebral artery. In cases of large-scale cerebral infarction, some sulci on the side affected by the infarction may appear shallower, indicating possible brain swelling. Generally, within 24 hours, a CT scan can reveal a low-density image, which appears relatively darker. This condition is typically considered a brain infarction, and as time progresses, this dark, or low-density image, tends to become even darker. In some patients during the acute phase, although the infarction may not be apparent, a CT scan is performed to rule out bleeding, as CT is very sensitive to bleeding.