Cerebral Infarction Treatment in Mumbai, India

A blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain causes cerebral infarction. This blockage restricts the blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which causes brain cell damage or death. Brain injuries left untreated early can be irreversible and permanent.

Associated anatomy

Cerebral infarction occurs only in the human brain.

The Alternate Names for Cerebral Infarction

Brain attack

Ischemic stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke (which includes subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage),

Cerebrovascular accidents (thrombotic as well as embolic strokes)

Cerebral Infarction Causes

• High blood pressure is the leading cause.
• Chewing tobacco or chain-smoking habits.
• Heart diseases including carotid artery disease or other vascular diseases.
• Severe diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Medications such as blood thinners and hormone therapy medications.
• Individuals of age 55 or above are at a higher risk.
• A family history of cerebral infarction.
• Men are more prone to cerebral infarction.
• Ethnicity of an individual.
• High cholesterol.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.

Cerebral Infarction Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a stroke often appear without any notice. Some of the main symptoms include:

• Progressive confusion, including difficulty in speaking and understanding speech.
• Intense and sudden headaches.
• Vomiting or loss of consciousness.
• Numbness or inability to move parts of the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body, may persist.
• Developing vision problems in one or both eyes.
• Difficulty in walking, including dizziness and a lack of coordination.
• Difficulty in swallowing.
• Stroke can lead to long-term health issues. After an individual suffers from a stroke, they may develop temporary or permanent concerns.

Some people may also experience:

• Urinary bladder or bowel control issues.
• Unexpected depression.
• Paralysis on one or both sides of the body.
• Some symptoms may vary, and they may range in intensity.

Cerebral Infarction Treatment

The primary goal of treatment is to get your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure levels back to normal. Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce the brain impulse. Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which dissolves clots, is an emergency therapy for ischemic stroke. Your doctor will avoid the excessive use of anticoagulants. If conditions, such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis led to ischemic stroke, you will require therapy. Your doctor may recommend a stent to open a plaque-clogged artery or statins to your lower blood pressure.

Cerebral Infarction Risk Factors

A variety of circulatory difficulties can cause ischemic stroke. Because they raise the risk of blood clots and fatty deposits, we should avoid them.

The following are some of the risk factors:

High Blood Pressure

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the lining of your arteries hardens and narrows into cholesterol plaques. It can obstruct blood flow, putting your health in distress.

Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the heart beats fast.

Sickle cell disease is a type of anemia that affects people.

Disorders of clotting.

If you have any cardiac abnormalities.

If you are over the age of 55.

Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.

Obesity.

Frequent use of certain drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamines.

Diabetes mellitus.

Cerebral Infarction Complications

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).

Swelling of the brain.

Memory loss, vision, and hearing issues.

Muscle damage.

The Pathophysiology of Ischemic Stroke

A lack of adequate blood flow causes an ischemic stroke to perfuse cerebral tissue because of blocked arteries going to or inside the brain. Thrombotic strokes and emboli are both ischemic strokes.

Additional Complications of Cerebral Infarction

Some of the issues that can occur after a cerebral infarction include blood clots, brain swelling, seizures, memory loss, visual and hearing impairments, muscular weakness, and depression.

Cerebral Infarction Stages

According to experts, stroke manifests in the following three key stages: 

• acute (less than 24 hours), 
• subacute (24 hours to 5 days) 
• chronic (weeks).

Tests for Cerebral Infarction

Your doctor may collect blood to perform many tests. Blood testing can highlight the following:

Blood glucose levels.

Whether you are infected or not.

Platelet levels.

Blood cholesterol levels can determine the cause of stroke.

C-reactive protein testing and blood protein testing.

Electrolytes in the blood.

Thyroid examinations.

Imaging tests for cerebral infarction include:

A computed tomography (CT) scan will reveal brain bleeding.

A CT scan uses X-rays to take pictures of the brain and any brain bleeding.

An MRI can aid in the detection of dysfunctional brain cells.

CT or MR angiogram.

Carotid ultrasound

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound

An electroencephalogram (EEG).

Electrocardiogram (ECG).

Primary Prevention of Cerebral Infarction

The best method to prevent cerebral infarction is to maintain a healthy diet, exercise frequently, avoid smoking, and consume excessive alcohol.

Cerebral Infarction Prevention

Primary Prevention

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity.

Medical Management

• Blood Pressure: Control hypertension.
• Diabetes: Manage blood sugar levels.
• Cholesterol: Maintain healthy levels.

Avoiding Risk Factors

• Quit Smoking: Stop smoking to reduce risk.
• Limit Alcohol: Drink in moderation.

Secondary Prevention of Cerebral Infarction

Secondary prevention involves the treatment of those who have already experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Cerebral Infarction Daignosis

The differential diagnosis of ischemic stroke may include a brain tumor, hemorrhagic stroke, neurosyphilis, complex or atypical migraine, hypertensive encephalopathy, drug toxicity, electrolyte disturbance, meningitis, multiple sclerosis exacerbation, hypoglycemia, and many more.

The Epidemiology of Cerebral Infarction

African and Latin American people have a higher incidence of cerebral infarction than European people. Based on a PubMed study, primary cerebral infarction accounts for a higher percentage of all strokes, up to 25% in Asians.

Cerebral Infarction Prognosis

Expected Prognosis

More than 30% of stroke victims die during the first three months. After four years, roughly 70% of stroke patients and 40% of TIA patients die. Prognosis numbers have a base symptom.

Natural Progression of Cerebral Infarction

Every minute a stroke goes untreated can result in the loss of 2 million brain cells; therefore, detecting the signs and symptoms of a cerebral stroke and seeking treatment is crucial.

Related Blogs

• Blood Clot in Brain
• Different Diabetes Types
• Neurological Disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Strokes be Cured?

Ischemic Stroke, also known as Cerebral Infarction, results from the compromised blood flow to the brain, leading to the deprivation of essential oxygen and nutrients, subsequently causing the death of the brain cells. While cerebral infarction cannot be fully cured, timely intervention can substantially reduce damage and improve patient outcomes. The primary goal of treatment is to prevent further brain damage and foster recovery. However, some patients might experience lingering disabilities or cognitive impairments.

2. What Are The Available Treatments For Cerebral Infarction or Ischemic Stroke?

At Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, the treatment modalities for stroke or cerebral infarction are tailored based on its severity and cause. Generally, therapeutic strategies involve:

• Medications:These are primarily to dissolve clots and control blood pressure.
• Surgery:Procedures may be undertaken to clear obstructions or mend blood vessels.
• Rehabilitation:This helps patients recuperate from any physical or cognitive deficits resulting from the infarction.

3. How Soon Can One Recover After Suffering A Stroke?

The recovery after stroke depends on the extent of the condition, availability of golden hour treatment and the consequent brain damage. While initial recovery is observed within the initial few months post-stroke, sustained progress may extend to a year or more. Rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in helping patients reclaim lost functions and bolstering their quality of life.

4. How To Prevent Stroke?

Leading a healthy life is key to preventing stroke. Adopt a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, cease smoking, consume alcohol in moderation, manage chronic conditions like hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes, and actively address conditions like atrial fibrillation that heighten stroke risk.

5. Is it Possible To Prevent Stroke Completely?

Absolute prevention of stroke is challenging. However, proactively managing risk parameters like hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes, coupled with healthy lifestyle choices, can reduce the likelihood of stroke. Dedicatedly follow prescribed medications and treatments.