A stroke is a disease caused by a blockage in the blood vessels in the brain
In many cases, patients become dependent on care after contracting the disease, so early treatment is key to avoiding any aftereffects
In this article, we will introduce the causes, warning symptoms, treatment, mortality rate, and recurrence rate of cerebral infarction
Please help us to protect you and your family
table of contents
What is cerebral infarction?
Cerebral infarction is a disease in which a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked, damaging brain cells in areas where blood flow is cut off. Brain cells die when they lack oxygen and energy, and once dead, they never revive. The functions and sensations that were previously performed in that area are lost, leaving behind after-effects. However, with current medical technology, there is a high chance that after-effects will not occur if appropriate treatment is received within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. If you experience any of the warning symptoms of a cerebral infarction, be sure to visit a medical institution
Causes of cerebral infarction
The causes of stroke vary depending on the type:
Lacunar infarction: occurs when small blood vessels in the brain become blocked
- Atherothrombotic cerebral infarction: occurs when a relatively large blood vessel becomes blocked due to arteriosclerosis
Cardiogenic cerebral embolism: This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in the left atrium of the heart due to arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation and blocks a blood vessel in the brain
Risk factors for cerebral infarction
There are risk factors for cerebral infarction such as a family history of stroke, being male, and aging, but improving the following diseases and lifestyle habits can help prevent it
High blood pressure
・Diabetes
・Dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hyperuricemia
Smoking habits
・Drinking habits
·obesity
・Lack of exercise
Excessive salt inoculation
·stress
- Metabolic syndrome
Premonitory symptoms of cerebral infarction
While stroke often strikes suddenly, there are also cases where a transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs as a precursor to a stroke. A TIA is a temporary condition that occurs when insufficient blood flows to the brain, causing the following symptoms:
-Motor and sensory disorders: numbness in either limb, inability to sense temperature or pain, difficulty swallowing
・Visual impairment: Constriction of the visual field, loss of half of the visual field
・Speech disorder: unable to speak well, slurred speech, unable to understand words
Balance problems: dizziness, unsteadiness, difficulty walking
These symptoms often go unnoticed because they subside within a few minutes, but they are a dangerous condition that can lead to a stroke. If you notice any abnormalities, see a doctor immediately
Treatment of cerebral infarction
It is important to start treatment for a stroke as soon as possible after the onset of the condition
The basic treatment is medication and rehabilitation, but surgery or catheter treatment may also be performed depending on the situation and cause
cerebral infarctionHyperacute treatment
In the hyperacute phase, up to 4.5 hours after the onset of cerebral infarction, a thrombolytic agent called alteplase (t-PA) is administered intravenously. This dissolves the obstructing blood clot and restores blood flow to the brain, potentially resulting in a dramatic improvement in symptoms
cerebral infarctionAcute treatment
During the acute phase of cerebral infarction, treatment involves intravenous administration of brain-protecting drugs and drugs that improve microcirculation
Treatment for chronic cerebral infarction
In the chronic stage of cerebral infarction, treatment and rehabilitation are provided to prevent recurrence. It is also necessary to treat lifestyle-related diseases and heart disease that need to be controlled, and to provide guidance on quitting smoking and alcohol
drug therapy
- Antiplatelet agents: Prevents the formation of blood clots that can cause cerebral infarction
- Anticoagulant: Inhibits blood clotting caused by atrial fibrillation, etc
- Antihypertensive drugs: In the chronic stage of cerebral infarction, they lower blood pressure to a certain extent and prevent recurrence
surgery
- Vascular anastomosis (bypass surgery): This is surgery to connect blood vessels to areas of the brain where blood supply is no longer sufficient due to blockage of blood vessels
・Internal carotid endarterectomy: This is a procedure in which the narrowed artery is opened and the plaque that has accumulated inside is removed. This is performed when the carotid artery stenosis is severe and drug treatment is insufficient
Internal carotid artery stenting: This is a treatment that relieves vascular narrowing by placing a mesh metal cylinder called a stent in the narrowed artery
rehabilitation
If the patient still has after-effects from the stroke, rehabilitation will be carried out. It is said that the sooner rehabilitation is started, the more effective it will be in allowing the surviving parts of the brain to compensate for the lost functions
Mortality rate from cerebral infarction
Because cerebral infarction is often discovered before it becomes severe, the mortality rate is kept to around 10%. However, since sequelae are often present, early treatment is important
Recurrence rate of cerebral infarction
The recurrence rate of cerebral infarction is very high, with the 1-year recurrence rate being approximately 10%, the 5-year recurrence rate being approximately 35%, and the 10-year recurrence rate being approximately 50%
The more frequently it occurs, the more serious the condition tends to become, so it is important to take steps to prevent recurrence
Summary of cerebral infarction
In this article, we will introduce cerebral infarction
Functions and sensations lost due to a stroke cannot be restored
- Prognosis improves if treatment is given within 4.5 hours of onset
・Improving illness and lifestyle habits can help prevent cerebral infarction
・If you experience numbness in your hands and feet, dizziness, or speech problems, these may be signs of an aura
・The mortality rate for cerebral infarction is approximately 10%
・The 10-year recurrence rate of cerebral infarction is approximately 50%
If you suspect you have symptoms of a stroke, seek medical attention immediately
On the other hand, advances are being made in "regenerative medicine" technology, which utilizes autologous stem cells to provide treatment while reducing the burden on the body, so this is recommended for those who want to work on stroke prevention
Omotesando Helene Clinic specializes in regenerative medicine that does not put a burden on the body, and has treated over 8,000 cases both domestically and internationally. It has also received the GCR (Global Clinic Rating) certification, which proves that it exceeds international standards
"I'm curious, but I can't decide if prevention is really necessary now." You may be at risk of wandering life and death without realizing it, so Please feel free to contact us.
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Supervision: Dr. Yasushi Tsuda