Cerebral infarction, or ischemic stroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off, often due to a thrombosis or embolism. The resulting ischemic cascade can cause brain tissue damage and inflammation. Symptoms include muscle weakness, numbness, and memory impairment. Treatment involves breaking or removing the clot and supportive therapy.
Cerebral infarction, also known as ischemic stroke, occurs when the blood vessels supplying the brain are disturbed so that blood flow is cut off. There are two common types of ischemic stroke: atherothrombotic and embolic, as well as other less common causes. The cause of an ischemic stroke cannot be determined in about 40% of cases.
Heart attack is a medical term that describes necrosis that occurs when the blood supply to tissues is cut off. The blood supply can be cut off in a number of ways, such as blockage of a supply artery, mechanical compression of an artery by a tumor or hernia, or rupture of an artery due to trauma . Cerebral infarction is often associated with atherosclerosis or hypertension.
Cerebral infarction occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. Within minutes, a series of reactions known as an ischemic cascade begins, which can continue for several hours and can even last for days. The brain is still vulnerable even when blood supply is restored, due to the possibility of reperfusion injury.
During the ischemic cascade, oxygen deprivation leads to a lack of ATP in the brain tissues. The ATP proton pumps fail, allowing a massive influx of calcium ions into the cells. This results in the generation of reactive oxygen species, free radicals and other harmful chemicals. Eventually the cells begin to die, some via necrosis, which triggers an inflammatory response that can itself cause further damage to brain tissue. The ischemic cascade can occur in any tissue type, but the brain is considered the most vulnerable due to its complete dependence on aerobic metabolism.
Cerebral infarction can occur for several reasons. The formation of a thrombosis, or blood clot, in an artery or blood vessel that supplies the brain can cut off the blood supply. Embolism, in which part of the thrombosis breaks off and causes a blockage, is another common cause of a heart attack. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, in which blood vessels draining the brain become blocked, can result in a cerebral infarction because blood cannot recirculate around the body.
The symptoms are quite distinctive. The disruption of blood supply to the brain can cause muscle weakness in the face and other parts of the body, pins and needles or numbness, inability to speak or understand language, confusion, and memory impairment. Diagnosis is usually made based on assessment of symptoms and neurological exams, as well as imaging tests such as CT or MRI.
Treatment of ischemic stroke may involve breaking or removing a thrombus or embolus and giving drugs to prevent further clots. A large part of cerebral infarction treatment is supportive in nature, as many people experience damage to brain tissue that requires rehabilitation therapy. Some people find that they have to relearn to walk, talk and perform other daily activities, while others may have to adjust to the permanent loss of those skills.
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