Cerebral infarction caused by blockage of cerebral arteries. What is cerebral infarction caused by thrombosis of cerebral arteries. How to keep your heart healthy

Many people are familiar with the concept of “heart attack,” but few understand what a cerebral infarction caused by thrombosis of the cerebral arteries is.

This serious disease, which is not always completely treatable, can significantly impair brain function, negatively change a person’s quality of life, and even cause death.

A heart attack is tissue necrosis, that is, its irreversible death. The most common cause of cerebral infarction is considered to be complete blockage of the arteries, which provide a constant flow of blood and oxygen to the cells of the organ. Tissues that no longer receive nutrition begin to starve and then die.

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Mostly elderly people are susceptible to the disease. The older a person is, the greater the risk of developing a cerebral infarction.

Pathogenesis

Blood cannot pass through the artery, therefore, leaking through the walls of the vessels, and more often, breaking them, it enters the brain tissue. In this case, intracranial pressure increases, parts of the brain are displaced or pinched, its membranes are destroyed and swelling of the organ occurs.

The development of the disease is influenced by the following factors:

• paralysis of intracerebral arteries caused by spasm and disruption of the nervous regulation of blood vessels;
• embolism - blocking of the vascular lumen by particles formed from thrombotic deposits;
• circulatory failure in the collateral (lateral or bypass) blood flow;
• a general disorder of blood movement through the vessels (hemodynamics), caused by uneven pressure in different parts of the circulatory system;
• changes in the physical, biological and chemical properties of blood.

Elderly people suffering from chronic heart disease, arterial hypertension, with a history of diabetes mellitus, smoking and alcohol abusers, and women who have been taking hormonal contraceptives for a long time are also at risk.

Clinical picture

A few days before the blockage, patients may experience headache, numbness of the limbs, and dizziness. The condition continues to worsen, aphasia is observed - impaired or absent speech, paralysis of the limbs occurs.

Tendon reflexes decrease, pathological reflexes unusual for a healthy person may appear, muscles weaken, swelling occurs, joint tissue degeneration (arthropathy) occurs, accompanied by severe pain, and flexion or extension of the limbs is often difficult (contracture).

Diagnosis of cerebral infarction caused by thrombosis of cerebral arteries

It is important to notice the onset of the disease in order to prevent irreversible consequences in the brain as soon as possible.

There are the first signs indicating the formation of a blood clot in the vessels of the brain and impaired blood flow:

• paralysis of limbs;
• involuntary movements;
• uncontrolled facial expressions;
• impaired or lack of speech;
• enlargement of one pupil on the affected side;
• dullness or absence of pain.

Emergency diagnosis is most effective when using computed tomography, which allows you to identify a heart attack and distinguish it from a hemorrhage.

Magnetic resonance therapy is also used, which makes it possible to examine blood vessels.

Successful elimination of thrombosis reduces the likelihood of recurrent heart attacks by more than 70%

In the absence of modern diagnostic devices, a puncture of the spinal cord is performed and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is taken for analysis. The presence of blood impurities in it means that a cerebral hemorrhage has occurred.

Dopplerography or duplex scanning is used to study the carotid arteries. The most effective method is angiography of the cerebral arteries - examination of the vessels by introducing a radiopaque substance into them, which makes it possible to detect the localization of thrombosis and assess the degree of blockage of the lumen.

The latter diagnostic method is used strictly according to indications. There is always a risk of damage to blood vessels by the catheter through which the substance is administered, which can lead to a stroke.

Treatment

Cerebral infarction caused by thrombosis of the cerebral arteries requires emergency hospitalization of the patient. Therapy must be started within the first hours after the attack - this significantly increases the chances of saving the patient’s life.

Reducing the blood's ability to clot in the first two hours and using blood thinning medications can significantly reduce the risk of paralysis, as well as other serious complications. However, in case of cerebral hemorrhages, the administration of these drugs is contraindicated.

Treatment consists of systematic therapy:

• stabilization of the acid-base balance of the blood;
• restoration of blood circulation to the brain;
• oxygen saturation of the blood through the use of antihypoxic drugs;
• elimination of respiratory failure;
• lowering blood pressure.

According to indications, the use of surgical treatment methods may be necessary. Blockage of the carotid artery is an indication for surgery.

In some cases, surgery is necessary to lower intracranial pressure, normalize cerebral blood flow, and increase perfusion pressure and oxygen supply to brain cells.

Dehydration drugs and diuretics are prescribed to eliminate excess water from the body. Anticoagulant therapy is mandatory - drugs that reduce blood clotting; fibrinolytic drugs are used to promote the resorption of blood clots and prevent their formation.

The patient continues to take medications to reduce swelling for several days.

The most important stage after emergency care and normalization of blood flow is the recovery period.

Rehabilitation consists of the following actions:

• control of the stable functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, heart rate;
• maintaining stability of blood pressure, heart rate, breathing;
• speech restoration;
• return of muscle tone;
• gradual return of the patient's motor activity.

Moral support from family members is also necessary, which will prevent a person from becoming depressed and losing the meaning of life.

If necessary, it is better to use the help of a specialist - a psychologist, who, using professional methods, will help restore the patient’s positive attitude and faith in a successful recovery.

Prevention

Prevention of cerebral infarction and vascular thrombosis must begin in adulthood, trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, as well as reduce the effect of all negative factors affecting the effective functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Prevention measures are as follows:

Maintain normal blood pressure (140/90 mmHg)	If you have arterial hypertension, you must take medications prescribed by your doctor every day to lower your blood pressure and prevent its levels from rising.
It is important to quit smoking completely	Cigarettes are the main factor contributing to the formation of thrombosis and progressive atherosclerosis. People who smoke are 50% more likely to suffer from heart and brain infarctions.
Do not abuse alcoholic beverages	In old age, it is better to completely stop drinking alcohol. Toxic breakdown products remaining in the blood after drinking alcohol lead to increased blood pressure, complicate the course of hypertension, and also negatively affect kidney function, disrupt heart rhythm and often provoke cerebral infarction.
Treatment of heart defects, ischemia, heart failure	These pathologies increase the likelihood of cerebral infarction.
If a woman has a history of arterial hypertension, frequent migraines	It is better to abandon oral hormonal contraceptives. The risk of heart attack increases when this factor is combined with smoking.
Blood Sugar Control	Treatment of diabetes mellitus by following a special diet without carbohydrates and taking medications that reduce the amount of sugar significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks due to blockage of blood vessels.
Cholesterol support	It promotes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary vessels and carotid arteries.

The brain is the most important organ responsible for all processes in the body. The irreversible consequences of a heart attack can completely deprive a person of a full life, the ability to move, walk, talk, which can cause serious nervous disorders and depression, and deprive the desire for life.

Cerebral infarction caused by thrombosis of the cerebral arteries is a disease that requires immediate treatment. The effectiveness of subsequent therapy and rehabilitation measures directly depends on the provision of first aid within two hours after the onset of a heart attack.

Emergency therapy will increase the chances of not only returning all the joys of life to a person, but also the opportunity to live for many more years.

The human body is essentially a fragile thing and danger to its life can lurk around every corner. So, if some injuries are not dangerous in themselves, their complications can lead to serious pathologies. One of these is cerebral embolism.

Features of the disease

A cerebral embolism is a sudden occlusion of cerebral vessels by an embolus, which sometimes results from the development of an ischemic stroke. The condition is dangerous because it may not manifest itself in the first days, and if not diagnosed in time, it leads to internal bleeding, cerebral hemorrhage and death.

Classification

Embolism can be single or multiple, as it can be caused by one or more blood clots. The most common embolic material is a thrombus, which occludes blood vessels in the brain. The thrombus can have different sizes, but in any case they speak of cardiogenic embolism (eg, cerebral vessels) or thromboembolism. According to the same principle, the disease is classified into:

• Fat. In this case, the lipid droplet enters the bloodstream and blocks the capillaries, gradually moving to the brain.
• Air. Blockage of blood vessels is caused by an air bubble.
• Gas. It is similar to air in all respects, however, the blockage is caused by a gas bubble.
• Cellular. Pieces of tissue enter the bloodstream and disrupt it.
• Microbial. It is caused by microbes settling on the walls of the capillaries, which causes ulcers that block the blood flow.
• Mechanical. In this case, the blockage is caused by a foreign body, such as a bullet.

Depending on the type, the causes and some treatment regimens vary. We’ll talk about the causes of cerebral embolism further.

Causes

The common cause for all forms of embolism is vascular trauma, for example, during accidents or surgical interventions. In this case, it may not be the brain itself that is injured: even childbirth in some cases can be complicated by embolism.

The most common causes of embolism:

1. fracture and injury of a tubular bone;
2. traumatization of subcutaneous fat tissue;
3. administration of oil-based medications;
4. pneumothorax;
5. abortion intervention;
6. carrying out caisson works;
7. rapid decompression;
8. anaerobic gangrene;
9. pathological processes that provoke tissue destruction;
10. severe microbial inflammation.

Embolism can also be caused by mechanical factors. This happens when injured by fragments of bombs and bullets: a foreign body blocks blood circulation.

Read on to find out what symptoms are characteristic of cerebral artery embolism.

Symptoms of cerebral embolism

The clinical picture of cerebral embolism is the severity of neurological infarction. Depending on the type and location of the blockage, symptoms may vary. The main symptoms are:

1. dizziness;
2. loss of consciousness;
3. dyspnea;
4. severe fatigue;
5. hemoptysis;
6. cough with phlegm;
7. convulsions;

In some young patients, embolism may not appear immediately, but may make itself felt after stress and physical activity. loads.

Diagnostics

The condition is diagnosed by examination and hardware tests. First, the doctor collects a medical history and complaints, and also conducts a physical examination for bluish skin and other signs of embolism. An accurate diagnosis can be made by CT scan of the brain, which allows you to determine the lesion and the possible location of the blockage.

For additional diagnostics to identify causes and associated pathologies, the following is prescribed:

1. blood and urine tests;
2. scintigraphy.

The most accurate examination is MRI, however, diagnosis with its help is expensive, and not every hospital has the necessary equipment.

Treatment

Treatment must be resorted to immediately after diagnosis, since any delay can be fatal. The main treatment measure is drug therapy, which can be carried out in combination with surgical and therapeutic methods.

Note! Treating embolism with folk remedies is strictly contraindicated! This can eliminate some of its manifestations, which will worsen control over the patient’s condition. On the advice of a doctor, you can take some herbal medicines, but it is forbidden to prescribe them to yourself.

Therapeutic

Patients with embolism are advised to rest completely. If the patient feels well, then treatment can be carried out at home, however, it is better to transport the patient to a hospital. The hospital is also indicated if the patient’s condition worsens.

When transporting, it is necessary to use a stretcher, keeping your head higher than your feet, and monitoring the condition so that foamy saliva does not enter the respiratory tract and lead to suffocation. After delivery to the hospital, the person must be carefully undressed and freed from tight clothing, and then the oral cavity must be cleaned of vomit and mucus must be sucked out from the respiratory tract.

If there is an increase in blood pressure, you can resort to bloodletting (200-300 ml at a time). It is also important to follow a diet, so vegetable fatty foods are indicated only on the 2nd day after you feel better, and until this time it is better to limit yourself to teas and light meals.

Medication

Drug therapy is prescribed depending on the manifestations of embolism:

• In cases of severe ischemic status, i.e., low blood pressure and weakened pulse, cardiovascular drugs such as camphor and caffeine are prescribed.
• For respiratory disorders, injections of lobeline and cititonin are used.
• If prothrombin is reduced, vikasol and vitamin K are given. If prothrombin is elevated, it is optimal to take anticoagulants such as dicumarin, pelentan, phenylin and heparin.
• Patients with thrombopenia are given vitamin C, blood transfusions and calcium chloride.
• During a thrombotic stroke, thrombolytic drugs are indicated.
• For ischemic stroke, pachycarpine is prescribed.
• Patients with tachyarrhythmia and atrial fibrillation should take Medinal or novocainamide with novocaine.
• Patients with pulmonary edema are given antifoaming agents, for example, antifomsilan.

Other drugs may also be used, depending on symptoms and response to treatment.

Operation

Surgery is indicated when breathing stops. During this condition, the patient undergoes a tracheostomy, that is, an incision is made in this area, after which a temporary anastomosis is created between the trachea and the environment.

Patients with a tracheostomy must be given oxygen through a tube after removing mucus and phlegm.

Prevention

Prevention of cardiac embolism involves avoiding conditions that can lead to it. Often, this is impossible to do, since the list of these conditions is very wide. During surgery, the doctor must monitor the quality of blockage of blood vessels, that is, cauterization, dressing of wounds, etc. You can reduce the risk of developing embolism if you monitor your health and fully comply with the doctors’ requirements.

Other types of surgeries aimed at restoring normal circulation may also be used.

Complications

Embolism is a serious condition that is often complicated by:

1. internal bleeding;
2. cerebral hemorrhage;
3. cerebral edema;
4. circulatory disorders;
5. heart rhythm disturbances.

The most serious complication of a cerebral embolism is respiratory arrest, which can be fatal if first aid is not provided in time.

Forecast

The prognosis for the treatment of embolism depends entirely on its timely diagnosis. There are no exact statistics, but in most cases, when an embolism affects a person outside of a hospital setting, the patient dies because he does not immediately see a doctor.

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, the likelihood of a full recovery is high. Sometimes patients may experience residual effects such as paresis, circulatory disorders and concomitant diseases.

Cerebral infarction (ischemic stroke) is a dangerous pathology that develops as a result of a serious circulatory disorder. As a result, a fairly rapid death of nerve cells is observed, which leads to irreversible consequences for the human body. The danger of this disease is explained by the structure of the brain. It consists of specific tissues that have a high need for oxygen and are extremely sensitive to its lack. If blood circulation is impaired, irreversible changes are observed in the brain. They lead to disruption of basic functions, which provoke all the negative phenomena associated with this disease.

The most dangerous consequence of a cerebral infarction is the death of a person, which occurs in 25% of cases during the first day. 40% of patients die a little later - within 20 days. Also, 50% of all surviving patients remain permanently disabled. In this case, there remains a high risk of death within 5 years.

What causes ischemic stroke?

The causes of impaired blood flow in the brain are specific. These include:

• atherosclerosis. This pathology most often provokes cerebral infarction in combination with other aggravating problems, which include arterial hypertension. This factor is found in 70% of patients. It increases the risk of stroke by 12 times. Also, a heart attack in combination with atherosclerosis can be caused by diabetes mellitus, syphilis, various pathologies of the blood, heart (congenital defect, myocardial infarction), blood vessels, after serious injuries, in the presence of infectious diseases of various types, etc. The presence of several factors at once aggravates the human condition . Very often there are cases when the causes of blockage of cerebral vessels are precisely secondary causes;
• the presence of serious pathologies in the structure of the vertebral or carotid arteries. In the presence of this factor, cerebral infarction develops as a result of stenosis (narrowing of the lumen) or vascular thrombosis;

• after breaking large bones. In this case, the stroke is provoked by a fat embolism that develops with this condition;
• surgical intervention. It very rarely happens that during certain operations (most often on an open heart), an air bubble can enter the bloodstream. It impedes normal blood circulation, which leads to stroke;
• blockage of the artery with blood clots that form during thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities;

• development of air embolism. It develops when the chest or neck is injured;
• prolonged smoking, alcohol abuse, exposure to drugs;
• blockage of blood vessels can occur as a result of the accumulation of decay products of various tumors;
• long-term use of oral contraceptives (especially in combination with smoking), which leads to blood clots;
• psycho-emotional or physical stress.

Considering all the factors that lead to the development of the disease, it is clear that people over 50 years of age are most susceptible to this disease. However, we should not forget that stroke can also develop in young people with certain health problems.

Signs of the disease

Blockage of blood vessels, which is caused by certain negative factors, or any other disorder of cerebral circulation leads to a gradual or sharp increase in various neurological signs. The characteristic symptoms of a heart attack can actively develop over several hours or even days. A peculiarity of a stroke is that its symptoms may increase over time or, conversely, weaken.

In most cases, the symptoms of a cerebral infarction are as follows:

• complete absence of pain. Stroke symptoms rule this out because there are no pain receptors in the brain;
• complete or partial paralysis. A person cannot make many movements, there is numbness in any part of the body or half of it;
• the appearance of involuntary movements. This is explained by the activity of the segmental apparatus of the spinal cord;
• difficulty speaking or complete loss of speech. These symptoms appear much less frequently in women than in men. This is due to the fact that the fair sex has one speech center in each of the hemispheres of the brain;

• violation of facial expressions. A person cannot smile, move his lips normally, or make other similar movements;
• There is uneven dilation of the pupils. This can happen when blood flow is disrupted in only one hemisphere of the brain. In this case, a dilated pupil will be detected in one eye, and a normal one in the second;
• impairment of consciousness, which often has different manifestations. The person may feel drowsy or fall into a coma. Most often there is a short-term loss of consciousness;

• dizziness, which is often accompanied by vomiting and nausea;
• the appearance of autonomic disorders - increased sweating, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, etc.;
• temporary hearing loss, deafness;
• drowsiness;
• pale skin;
• a sharp decrease in blood pressure.

The symptoms of a heart attack are largely determined by the area of ​​the brain where there is insufficient blood supply. Based on developing symptoms, a preliminary diagnosis can be made and the problem area can be identified.

Classification of the disease

Cerebral infarction is divided into several types:

• Atherothrombotic stroke. This pathology develops as a result of the concomitant course of hypertension, coronary heart disease, etc. This type of cerebral infarction is caused by thrombosis of the cerebral arteries and, most often, occurs in the morning or during sleep. In this case, tissue damage occurs on different scales. A person’s condition may rapidly deteriorate (or there may be short-term episodes of improvement).

• Cardioembolic stroke. Occurs when arteries are blocked by emboli of cardiac origin. With the development of this type of cerebral infarction, an acute onset is observed. The causes of this pathology are various heart diseases. Emotional or physical stress is also considered an aggravating factor leading to this problem.

• Lacunar stroke. This is a pathology caused by damage to small vessels that supply blood to the deep structures of the brain. In this case, there is an increase in blood pressure, but there are no signs of impairment of higher nervous activity. This disease rarely lasts longer than 3 weeks, and may not even be detected during brain imaging.

• Hemodynamic stroke. In this case, insufficient blood supply to the brain tissue is explained by a sharp decrease in blood pressure. This type of cerebral infarction most often occurs in elderly people with severe vascular atherosclerosis. A feature of this pathology is that it can develop gradually or suddenly.

• Hemorheological stroke. In this case, cerebral infarction occurs due to a clear violation of blood flow. This can occur against the background of heart disease, when using hormonal contraceptives, diuretics, drinking excessive amounts of coffee, alcohol and for other reasons.

Diagnosis of cerebral infarction

Cerebral infarction can be detected using the following diagnostic procedures:

• CT scan. Using this study, you can easily distinguish hemorrhage from cerebral infarction;
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Using this diagnostic procedure, you can determine the condition of the cerebral vessels;
• cerebrospinal fluid examination. During a cerebral infarction, no blood is detected in the cerebrospinal fluid;
• duplex scanning, Dopplerography to study the condition of the carotid arteries;
• cerebral angiography. A modern method of x-ray examination of blood vessels located in the brain. This diagnostic method is indispensable if surgical intervention is necessary, but can be dangerous due to the high risk of vascular rupture.

Cerebral infarction is a disease that requires urgent hospitalization of the patient. The sooner treatment measures are taken, the higher the likelihood of a favorable outcome. It is best when medical care is provided within 2 hours after the onset of symptoms of the disease.

In a hospital setting, treatment is used that is aimed at restoring cerebral circulation and protecting tissues from further destruction.

Most often this happens using the following means:

• thrombolytics. Medications are used to dissolve blood clots that lead to blockage of the arteries;
• anticoagulants. Prevents the formation of new blood clots, reduces blood clotting;
• antiplatelet agents. Drugs in this group slow down platelet aggregation;
• neuroprotectors. They help stop biochemical reactions that are triggered during the death of damaged brain cells.

Cerebral infarction can also be treated surgically. Most often, carotid endarterectomy is performed to remove the inner wall of the carotid artery, which is affected by atherosclerotic plaques. Surgery has its own indications and contraindications, which must be taken into account to obtain the desired effect.

Cerebral infarction is a clinical syndrome that is expressed in acute disruption of local brain functions. It lasts more than 24 hours, or leads to the death of a person during this time. An acute circulatory disorder during a cerebral infarction occurs due to blockage of its arteries, which provokes the death of neurons in the area that is fed by these arteries.

Cerebral infarction is also called ischemic stroke. This problem is very relevant in the modern world, since a huge number of people die every year due to cerebral infarction. The mortality rate for ischemic stroke is 25%, another 20% of patients die within a year, and 25% of the surviving people remain disabled.

• Treatment of cerebral infarction

Symptoms of cerebral infarction

Symptoms of a cerebral infarction depend on where the lesion is located.

However, general symptoms of this pathological process can be identified, including:

Headache;

Loss of consciousness, sometimes coma may develop;

Dizziness;

Disturbances in the functioning of the pelvic organs;

Pain in the eyeballs;

Feeling hot;

Dry mouth;

Nausea and vomiting accompanied by severe headache;

Convulsions (not always present).

If the focus of a cerebral infarction is localized in the right hemisphere, then the following clinical picture is characteristic:

Complete immobility (hemiparesis) or significant decrease in strength (hemiplegia) of the left limbs;

Sensitivity in the left half of the body and face disappears or sharply decreases;

Speech impairment will be observed in left-handed people. In right-handed people, speech disorders develop exclusively when the left hemisphere is damaged. The patient cannot reproduce words, but conscious gestures and facial expressions are preserved;

The face becomes asymmetrical: the left corner of the mouth goes down, the nasolabial fold is smoothed out.

Depending on which half of the brain is damaged, symptoms of a cerebral infarction will be observed on the opposite side. That is, if the lesion is located in the left hemisphere, then the right half of the body will suffer.

If a cerebral infarction develops in the vertebrobasilar vascular system, then the patient’s symptoms are as follows:

Dizziness that increases when you tilt your head back;

Coordination suffers, static disorders are observed;

There are disturbances in the movement of the eyeballs, vision deteriorates;

A person pronounces individual letters with difficulty;

Problems with swallowing food appear;

Paralysis, paresis, and loss of sensation in the limbs will be observed on the side opposite to the lesion.

It is worth considering separately the symptoms of cerebral infarction depending on which cerebral artery is damaged:

Anterior cerebral artery – incomplete paralysis of the legs, the occurrence of grasping reflexes, impaired eye movements, motor aphasia;

Middle cerebral artery – incomplete paralysis and sensitivity disorder of the hands, as well as the lower half of the face, sensory and motor aphasia, laterofixation of the head;

Posterior cerebral artery – visual disturbances, the patient understands the speech of another person, can speak himself, but he forgets most words.

In severe cases, consciousness is depressed and the person falls into a coma, which can occur when any part of the brain is damaged.

Causes of cerebral infarction

The following causes of cerebral infarction are distinguished:

Atherosclerosis. It develops in men earlier than in women, since at a young age female blood vessels are protected from atherosclerotic lesions by sex hormones. The coronary arteries are the first to be affected, then the carotid ones, and subsequently the cerebral blood supply system;

Hypertension. Mild hypertension (pressure up to 150/100 mm Hg), which is the most dangerous, enhances atherosclerosis and disrupts the adaptive reactions of the arteries;

Heart diseases. Thus, people who have had a myocardial infarction have a high risk of developing a cerebral infarction. In 8% of patients after myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke will develop within the first month, and in 25% of patients - within six months. Coronary heart disease and heart failure are also dangerous;

High blood viscosity;

Atrial fibrillation. They cause blood clots to form in the left atrial appendage, which are subsequently transported to the brain;

Disorders of the endocrine system, primarily diabetes mellitus;

Vascular diseases (pathologies of their development, Takayasu's disease, anemia, leukemia, malignant tumors).

In addition, do not forget about risk factors that increase the likelihood of a cerebral infarction, including:

Age (every ten years of life increases the risk of developing cerebral infarction by 5-8 times);

Hereditary predisposition;

Physical inactivity;

Excess weight;

Smoking (if this bad habit is supplemented by taking oral contraceptives, then smoking becomes a leading risk factor for the development of cerebral infarction);

Alcohol abuse;

Acute stress or prolonged psycho-emotional stress.

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Consequences of cerebral infarction

The consequences of a cerebral infarction can be very serious and often pose a direct threat to human life, among them are:

Brain swelling. It is this complication that develops more often than others and is the most common cause of death of a patient in the first week after an ischemic stroke;

Congestive pneumonia is the result of the patient being in a horizontal position for a long time. It most often develops 3-4 weeks after a cerebral infarction;

Pulmonary embolism;

Acute heart failure;

Bedsores due to the patient lying motionless in bed for a long time.

In addition to the listed consequences of cerebral infarction, which develop in the early stages, long-term complications can also be identified, including:

Impaired motor function of the limbs;

Decreased sensation in the arms, legs and face;

Speech problems;

Deterioration of mental abilities;

Mental disorders;

Difficulty swallowing food;

Coordination problems when walking and turning;

Epileptic seizures (up to 10% of people who have had a cerebral infarction are susceptible to them);

Malfunctions of the pelvic organs (bladder, kidneys, intestines, reproductive organs suffer).

What is the difference between a cerebral infarction and a stroke?

When a cerebral infarction occurs, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, as a result of which the tissues of the affected area begin to die. Insufficient blood flow to the brain occurs due to atherosclerotic plaques that prevent its normal flow, due to heart rhythm disturbances, or due to problems with the blood coagulation system.

With a hemorrhagic stroke of the brain, on the contrary, the blood flow to it increases, which causes an artery rupture. The cause is vascular pathologies or hypertensive crisis.

There are differences in the course of the disease. Thus, cerebral infarction develops gradually, over several hours or even days, and hemorrhagic stroke occurs almost instantly.

Treatment of cerebral infarction

Treatment of cerebral infarction is primarily based on thrombolytic therapy. It is important that the patient is admitted to the neurological department within the first three hours from the onset of the attack. The patient must be transported in an elevated position. The head should be 30 degrees higher than the body. If a thrombolytic is administered to the patient at the specified time, the drug will begin to very quickly dissolve the existing blood clot, which most often causes a violation of the blood supply to the brain. The effect can often be seen almost instantly, in the first seconds of drug administration.

If thrombolytic therapy is not carried out in the first three hours from the onset of cerebral infarction, then it no longer makes sense to continue it. Changes will occur in the brain, the nature of which is irreversible.

It is worth considering that thrombolysis is performed only when the doctor is sure that the patient has a cerebral infarction and not a hemorrhagic stroke. In the latter case, such therapy will lead to death.

If it is not possible to administer a thrombolytic, then the following measures are indicated:

Reduced blood pressure levels;

Taking antiplatelet agents (Aspirin) or anticoagulants (Clexane, Fraxiparin, Heparin);

Prescription of medications aimed at improving cerebral blood supply (Trental, Piracetam, Cavinton).

Patients are also prescribed B vitamins, undergo restorative treatment, and are involved in the prevention of bedsores. Self-medication is unacceptable; at the first signs of a cerebral infarction, you must call an ambulance. It is worth remembering that at home it is impossible to distinguish a cerebral infarction from a hemorrhagic stroke.

The surgical method for treating cerebral infarction is surgical decompression aimed at reducing intracranial pressure. This method can reduce the mortality rate in cerebral infarction from 80 to 30%.

An important component of the overall treatment regimen for cerebral infarction is competent rehabilitation therapy, which is called “neurorehabilitation.”

You need to start it from the first days of illness:

Movement disorders are corrected with the help of physical therapy, massage and physiotherapy methods. At the moment, there are special simulators that help people recover after a cerebral infarction;

Speech disorders are corrected during individual sessions with a speech therapist;

Swallowing dysfunctions are leveled out by special devices that stimulate the laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles;

Stabilization platform exercises help to cope with coordination problems;

Psychological assistance to patients is no less important. A psychotherapist helps to cope with emotional problems;

A person is prescribed statins and Aspirin for life;

To improve brain function, it may be recommended to take medications such as Cavinton, Tanakan, Bilobil, etc.

It is important for the patient himself to constantly monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as give up bad habits and lead a healthy lifestyle with the obligatory presence of moderate physical activity.

Good afternoon, dear readers of the site. Article on the topic of blood clot in the leg, symptoms and treatment, photo on the leg. What to do at home, how to recognize it, traditional methods of treatment, what to do with it.

Blood clot in the leg - what is it?

Thrombosis rightfully belongs to the category of the most dangerous diseases caused by disruption of circulatory processes, blockage of the venous cavity and the formation of thrombus masses in their cavity. The main feature of this disease is the absence of characteristic symptoms in the early stages of its development; pronounced signs of the disease appear, as a rule, against the background of the growth of the pathogenic mass.

Correcting the situation, restoring blood flow and preventing the negative consequences of the pathology is possible only if timely assistance is provided to the patient. Lack of adequate treatment can lead to irreversible tissue changes in the area where the clot occurs.

In accordance with the medical term, it is customary to understand a pathological clot of hemolymph, the appearance of which occurs in the vascular cavity. The presence of such a disease usually leads to complete, and in some cases, partial closure of the lumens of the veins.

Diagnosis of such a pathology is often complicated by the fact that symptoms often appear only against the background of its advanced forms.

The mechanism of occurrence is based on the systematic layering of masses due to the influence of negative factors, which, for example, include poor nutrition. In some cases, the appearance of clots entails its subsequent separation. This condition is very dangerous and entails the development of such dangerous diseases as stroke, heart attack, thromboembolism, as well as a number of others.

How to recognize and determine: symptoms and signs

The risk of negative consequences of thrombosis can be significantly reduced only if it is detected in a timely manner. How to recognize the first signs of the formation of veins and blood vessels in the cavity at home? To make an appropriate diagnosis, you should pay attention to a number of the following symptoms:

• pinpoint painful sensations that occur in the legs, regardless of the influence of external factors, such as physical activity;
• sudden attacks of acute pain, usually occurring during physical activity or heavy lifting;
• systematic swelling of the legs, which can appear regardless of the amount of fluid consumed during the day;
• a characteristic symptom indicating that blood clots have formed in the venous cavity - an uncharacteristic change in the color and density of the skin, for example, redness or bluing of tissues;
• if only one limb is affected, the disease may be accompanied by a difference in temperature conditions, when one leg has a significantly higher temperature than the other.

Regardless of the cause of the disease, the main sign of the onset of pathology is a significant deterioration in general well-being, a decrease in the body’s resistance and overall performance, and increased fatigue.

Treatment at home

A considerable number of patients ask not only questions such as how to detect pathology, but also how to dissolve thrombus masses and how to get rid of the unpleasant sensations associated with their occurrence, without resorting to medications, physiotherapy methods and surgery.

Provided there is no danger to the patient’s health, it is quite possible to use the advice recommended by traditional medicine to restore blood circulation processes and eliminate masses.

You can clear clogged blood vessels, improve overall well-being, relieve inflammation and normalize blood circulation using methods such as following a diet and healthy eating rules, taking remedies prepared in accordance with alternative medicine recipes, and using home remedies intended for external use.

Folk remedies

You can eliminate a blood clot in the leg, make the blood less viscous and improve its circulation using the following means, classified as methods of alternative medicine:

1. Garlic tincture based on medical alcohol. Its regular use will cleanse blood vessels, improve blood flow and dissolve the disease.
2. Hawthorn infusion. To prepare it, you should mix ingredients such as hawthorn, horsetail and knotweed. The use of this drug allows you to cleanse blood vessels and prevent acute thrombosis.

Regular consumption of bee products such as honey and propolis perfectly cleanses the vascular system and helps strengthen it. To obtain maximum effect, it is permissible to combine them with natural milk or hawthorn decoction.

Before dissolving it in your leg using folk remedies, it is recommended to first consult with a specialist.

Is it possible to have surgery

If the patient has been diagnosed with avulsion or there is a similar risk, surgical intervention is necessary to prevent risk to the health and life of the patient.

Often, an operation to remove a pathogenic mass blocking the lumen of a vessel is performed against the background of a lack of positive effect after taking medications, during pregnancy, as well as other situations requiring immediate medical intervention.

Surgery to remove a blood clot on the leg

Currently, a method called thromboembolectomy is predominantly used to remove thrombus masses. This method allows you to eliminate the clot in such a way that the vein, deep or superficial vessel is not damaged and retains its functional characteristics.

The surgical intervention involves the use of a balloon catheter, which allows the vessel to be cleaned as quickly and effectively as possible under X-ray control. Rehabilitation after removal in such cases takes a relatively short period of time.

Duplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities

When thinking about how to check the blood vessels of the legs, you should first of all pay attention to the duplex scanning method. This technique allows you to assess the condition of blood vessels and veins, as well as the quality of hemolymph movement through the influence of ultrasonic waves.

Thanks to the use of unique modern technologies, when using duplex scanning, a specialist can see a clear picture of the vascular system against the background of a dark spot of surrounding tissue, which makes it possible to identify even minor thrombus formations.

Treatment in hospital

It should be noted that surgery is one of the radical methods to eliminate clots. Provided there is no threat to the patient’s health, therapy without surgery is predominantly practiced, that is, in a hospital setting.

In this case, various medications are used to help cleanse the vascular cavity, increase the elasticity of the walls and stimulate blood flow, such as ointments, injections, droppers and others.

Predominantly in the treatment process the following drugs are used:

• ichthyol ointment;
• heparin;
• clexane;
• warfarin;
• dicoumarin;
• fragmin.

How long it takes to resolve in the leg and how long it takes to thin the blood depends on the methods of therapy used. It should be noted that the most effective therapy involves a comprehensive combination of several techniques, for example, the use of products for internal and external use, physiotherapy and others.

Below the knee: photo

What to do if you come off

Why is thrombosis dangerous? The main danger of this disease is the situation when a blood clot breaks off and there is a risk not only to the health, but also to the life of the patient. In such situations, the patient requires immediate assistance.

Methods such as surgery or intravenous administration of the maximum amount of heparin may be used. Whether the clot can dissolve in this case depends solely on its size and the area of ​​localization of the pathogenic mass.

On hand: photo

Proper nutrition and diet: how to thin the blood

Not only the use of certain medications, but also a balanced diet and a gentle diet can help remove pathogenic formations. How much the mass is absorbed if this method is used depends on the correct use of diet therapy.

To improve the patient’s condition, it is necessary to pay attention to the following rules of healthy eating:

• to stimulate metabolic processes and blood circulation, it is recommended to follow a fractional nutrition plan, that is, eat little by little, but often enough and at the same time;
• you should increase the amount of vegetables, fruits, dairy products and lean meat in the diet;
• it is necessary to categorically refuse to eat junk food;
• To compensate for vitamin deficiency, it is recommended to take vitamin complexes.

In addition, you should drink as much fluid as possible. It is best to stop drinking coffee and tea and drink herbal infusions, fruit drinks, homemade compotes and plain clean water.

Varicose veins are one of the most common diseases, which is most often diagnosed in the elderly, women during pregnancy, as well as people engaged in heavy physical labor. External signs of this pathology are as follows: swollen veins, pronounced spider veins, swelling in the lower extremities.

The prolonged presence of the disease in the absence of adequate treatment can lead to thickening of the blood, the formation of thrombotic masses in the cavities of blood vessels and veins, disruption of circulatory processes, and in the most severe cases, tissue necrosis.

To eliminate pathology, various methods are used, the choice of which depends on the characteristics of the individual clinical picture.

Thrombophlebitis

The accumulation of clots in the vascular cavity with subsequent blockage of the vascular lumens often leads to the development of a disease such as thrombophlebitis. This pathology is characterized by impaired circulatory processes, the appearance of pain in the affected area, as well as changes in the structure and color of tissues.

Treatment is based on the use of various methods, including, for example, taking medications, surgery, and physical therapy. At the initial stages of the development of the disease, it is permissible to use traditional treatment methods. In addition, during the treatment process, the patient is often prescribed a gentle diet.

Consequences

The consequences of the appearance of masses in arteries and vessels can vary significantly depending on the location of the clot, its size, as well as the time when the patient was given first aid. The most dangerous consequences include:

1. Complete closure of the lumen of a vessel or artery with subsequent damage to nearby tissues.
2. Impaired functioning of an organ or a specific limb.
3. Myocardial or cerebral infarction.
4. Tissue necrosis.
5. Breakaway.

In the most severe cases, the patient may be required to amputate the affected limb. It should be remembered that the presence of a diagnosis of thromboembolism against the background of the development of symptoms such as, for example, tissue numbness, severe swelling, severe pain, is a direct indication for immediate consultation with a doctor.

The lack of timely medical care can lead to more than serious consequences, including death.

In the hip, in the head and in the heart

As mentioned above, the degree of danger of the pathology, possible consequences and treatment methods are associated with the location of the pathogenic masses. The most frequently diagnosed ailments of this kind include:

• in the thigh area. Most often, the occurrence of characteristic clots in this situation occurs due to varicose veins. Damage to both superficial and deep veins is possible. In the early stages of the pathology, symptoms of thrombosis are almost completely absent; in the future, symptoms such as pain, tissue necrosis, sensory disturbances, and the appearance of heat in the area of ​​the affected limb are possible.
• in my head. In the vast majority of cases, their presence in the head area occurs due to the deposition of cholesterol masses. This type of pathology is among the most dangerous, due to the absence of characteristic symptoms. The appearance of clots leads to impaired cerebral circulation and a lack of sufficient nutrients reaching the brain tissues.
• in heart. The emergence of pathogenic masses in the heart area is the main reason for the deterioration of the patient’s general well-being, the appearance of pain in the chest area, shortness of breath, dizziness and other unpleasant symptoms. The rupture of a blood clot, in the absence of timely assistance, can lead to death.

Regardless of the area of ​​localization, the patient requires timely assistance, otherwise it is almost impossible to avoid the negative consequences of this pathology.

Is it possible to play sports

The prevailing factors contributing to the formation of thrombus masses include a sedentary lifestyle. Provided there are no contraindications, which the attending physician will help identify, moderate physical activity helps stimulate blood circulation and improve the supply of nutrients to organs and tissues.

It should be remembered that sports are indicated for thrombosis only if there is no threat of detachment of the pathogenic mass, as well as the occurrence of other negative consequences. In addition, the loads should be moderate, their intensity is determined exclusively by a specialist.

The combined combination of conservative therapy methods, physical activity and proper nutrition will eliminate the problem, improve blood flow, and also eliminate as much as possible the likelihood of negative consequences of this disease.

Cerebrovascular disease refers to vascular diseases, the initial manifestations of which are memory impairment, headache, tinnitus and dizziness. Frequently recurring symptoms indicate the development of pathology. The root cause of cerebral circulatory disorders can be a number of diseases. Such diseases include atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension or hypotension, inflammation of the walls of blood vessels (rheumatic, syphilitic, etc.), diseases of the hematopoietic system.

The disease is divided into:

• acute (strokes, hypertensive encephalopathy);
• chronic (dyscirculatory encephalopathy);
• transient ischemic attacks.

Transient circulatory disorders

Transient cerebrovascular accident occurs as a result of an ischemic attack. A characteristic sign of the pathology is the acute development of neurological symptoms and their subsidence within 24 hours. The pathology is caused by temporary blockage of blood vessels in the brain by a detached blood clot that has formed in the heart or in a large vessel of the brain. In rare cases, transient strokes occur as a result of severe narrowing of large vessels. This condition usually occurs when there is a sharp drop in blood pressure.

Thus, transient cerebrovascular accidents occur for three main reasons:

• heart diseases;
• vascular stenosis;
• thrombus formation.

The main symptoms of impaired blood flow in the carotid artery:

• paralysis of half the body;
• impaired sensitivity of half the body;
• speech and vision impairment.

All pathological processes occur on the side opposite to the lesion. That is, if cerebral circulation problems occur on the right side, the left side of the body suffers. A patient with transient ischemic attacks may experience other symptoms:

• nausea;
• vomit;
• double vision;
• speech disorder;
• movement disorders in the limbs;
• blindness.

This symptomatology is caused by pathology in the vertebrobasilar region.

The duration of symptoms during transient attacks rarely exceeds several tens of minutes. During a hypertensive crisis, the patient suddenly experiences headache, stupor, tinnitus and pain in the eyes. In rare cases, there may be epileptic seizures or psychomotor agitation. During ischemic attacks against the background of a hypertensive crisis, the patient’s face turns red and excessive sweating is observed.

The causes of ischemic attack may be related to degenerative diseases of the spine. The main factor is disruption of blood flow in the vertebral arteries. With a pathology such as osteochondrosis, any prolonged uncomfortable position or sudden turn of the head can cause a short-term disturbance of cerebral circulation.

Later, body functions are restored, but small areas of loss of nerve cells or areas of necrosis remain. However, this condition indicates that the patient may soon have a myocardial infarction or stroke. If you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner and there is no diagnosis, a subsequent ischemic attack can result in a dangerous brain catastrophe (stroke).

Brain stroke

A stroke, or acute cerebrovascular accident, occurs suddenly with the development of persistent neurological symptoms. According to the course of the pathology, progressive and completed strokes are distinguished. The progressive course is characterized by an increase in symptoms. Completed cerebral strokes are characterized by stabilization of symptoms after the peak of their development.

Hemorrhagic stroke

Otherwise, hemorrhagic stroke is called hemorrhage into the substance or into the membranes of the brain. According to statistics, hemorrhagic stroke in 90% of cases occurs in the cerebral hemispheres. The remaining 10% is in the brain stem and cerebellum. There are also mixed forms of hemorrhages. The main causes of hemorrhage are hypertension and aneurysm rupture. In rare cases, the pathology develops against the background of leukemia, blood diseases, infections (endocarditis), and brain tumors.

Often during hemorrhage, when a vessel ruptures, a cavity filled with blood is formed. The appearance of such a cavity leads to compression of neighboring areas of the brain, changes in the size of the grooves, and flattening of the convolutions. In rare cases, hemorrhages occur as the entire substance of the brain is soaked in blood. The characteristic difference of this pathology is the absence of boundaries and the merging of many small foci.

Symptoms of cerebrovascular accident as a result of hemorrhage occur mainly during the day, when a person is in an active state. Often before a stroke, a person is physically taxing, under stress, or experiencing strong emotions. Such reasons contribute to increased blood pressure.

When hemorrhaging, the patient suddenly loses consciousness and falls. In cases where a person remains conscious, he complains of a severe headache. Vomiting may occur within the first minute after a stroke. The patient's face becomes red, breathing is impaired, and the pulse is slow in most cases.

Cerebral circulation disorders lead to hemiparesis and hemiplegia. The degree of brain damage is much greater than with ischemic strokes. The clinical picture depends on the following factors:

• the size of the hematoma;
• localization;
• degree of cerebral edema;
• involvement of other brain structures in the pathological process.

In most cases, hemorrhage leads to a coma. The patient's functions of vital organs are impaired. In a shallow coma, the patient retains the reaction of the pupils to light, tendon and pharyngeal reflexes, pathological reflexes, and changes in muscle tone are observed. Deep coma is usually fatal.

Ischemic stroke

Ischemic disorders of cerebral circulation cause thrombosis and embolism of cerebral vessels. Stroke caused by blood clots occurs more often at night, during sleep. The patient wakes up in the morning with neurological pathologies (impaired speech, paresis). With the development of pathology in the daytime, a gradual progression of neurological symptoms is observed. Ischemic stroke is often preceded by transient cerebrovascular accidents.

With embolic stroke, neurological symptoms develop quickly. The patient develops headache, loss of consciousness, and paresis. The clinical picture depends on which part of the brain is affected. The main signs of damage to the carotid arteries:

• limb weakness;
• drooping corner of the mouth;
• displacement of the tongue to the paralyzed side.

Patients may experience disturbances in orientation in space and speech, severe paralysis and paresis. Damage to the occipital lobes is accompanied by visual impairment, blindness, and hypersensitivity. With ischemia of the brain stem, difficulty swallowing, double vision, strabismus, and paresis are observed. Blockage of the basilar artery leads to the development of coma.

In cases of blockage of small vessels that feed the deep tissues of the brain, a slow increase in the following symptoms is observed:

• hemiparesis;
• violation of coordinated movements;
• speech disorder.

Patients may experience cerebral swelling on the 3rd day after the stroke. An increase in symptoms may be associated with hemorrhage in the infarction area, organ dysfunction, and infectious complications of the excretory and respiratory systems. About a quarter of patients with ischemic stroke die within a month. In 90% of surviving patients, they become disabled.

Therapeutic measures

Patients are treated in a hospital. In severe cases, with dysfunction of important organs, impaired swallowing, or status epilepticus, the patient is hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Acute cerebrovascular accidents are treated according to the degree of brain damage.

The objectives of basic therapy are:

1. Maintaining breathing.
2. Maintaining hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, pulse).
3. Prevention of cerebral edema.
4. Maintaining water and electrolyte balance.
5. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
6. Prevention of infectious complications.
7. Maintaining body temperature.

In addition to drug therapy, complex treatment includes the prevention of bedsores, muscle contractures and nutrition. If patients have difficulty swallowing, nutrition is administered through a tube. If gastrointestinal motility is impaired, parenteral nutrition is administered. From the first day of a stroke, the patient’s skin is treated with disinfectants. Skin folds are lubricated with zinc pastes (Desitin, Sudocrem).

Measures to prevent contractures play an important role in the rehabilitation of patients. In the acute period, treatment is carried out by positioning. From the second day, passive movements and specialized massage are introduced. After normalization of the condition, it is recommended (in the absence of contraindications) to mobilize the patient. Adequate therapy and early rehabilitation measures improve the outcome of cerebral strokes. After discharge home, you can treat with folk remedies.

Treatment of transient disorders

Transient cerebrovascular accidents begin to be treated after determining the main cause of the pathology. In the interictal period, patients prone to low blood pressure are prescribed tonic drugs in the first half of the day. You can be treated with folk remedies - tincture of lemongrass, eleutherococcus or ginseng. If you have hypotension, you are allowed to drink a cup of coffee in the morning.

If a patient is diagnosed with arterial hypertension, treatment of transient disturbance of cerebral blood flow consists of prescribing drugs that stabilize blood pressure and antispasmodics. The main task is not only to reduce pressure, but also to prevent its sharp drop. If patients have increased blood clotting or a predisposition to thrombus formation, antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants (Phenilin, Sinkumar) are prescribed under the control of blood clotting.

When treating cerebral blood flow disorders caused by atherosclerosis, vasodilator drugs are not prescribed. Conservative therapy consists of prescribing anticoagulants. When cardiac activity is weakened, Corglicon or Strophanthin is used. According to indications, Cordiamin and Camphor are prescribed. If there is a sharp drop in pressure, Caffeine and Mezaton are administered. Treatment is selected strictly individually for each patient.

When transient disorders do not respond to drug therapy, the question of surgery is raised to restore blood flow and eliminate the source of thromboembolism. Such surgical interventions are preventive in nature. Surgery is indicated for patients without persistent focal neurological symptoms.

The human brain is a truly unique organ. All life processes are controlled by him.

But, unfortunately, the brain is very vulnerable to all kinds of damage, and even seemingly minor changes in its functioning can lead to serious and irreversible consequences.

Let's talk about cerebral infarction - what it is and how ischemic stroke manifests itself.

The human brain consists of highly specific tissue that has a constant need for large amounts of oxygen, the lack of which causes negative changes.

Cerebral infarction (or ischemic stroke) is an ischemic lesion of areas of the brain that occurs as a result of circulatory disorders. There is also a hemorrhagic cerebral infarction, but we will talk about that.

Gray matter is the most sensitive to oxygen starvation; the cells of the cerebral cortex that it forms die off within a few minutes after the onset of hypoxia.

Prevalence

Ischemic cerebral infarction is one of the most common diseases in the world. Under the age of 40, it is rare; on average, it occurs 4 times per 100 people. After 40, this figure increases significantly and is already 15 percent of the population.

People who have crossed their fifties are even more likely to suffer from the consequences of this disease - 30%. After 60 years of age, cerebral infarction occurs in 50% of people.

Classification and differences

Depending on the reasons that led to cerebral infarction, Experts usually distinguish several of its forms:

• Atherothrombotic;
• Cardioembolic;
• Hemodynamic;
• Lacunarnaya;
• Hemorheological.

Let's look at each of the varieties.

Atherothrombotic

The atherothrombotic form of ischemic stroke develops with atherosclerosis large or medium cerebral arteries.

If the vascular lumen is closed by an atherosclerotic plaque that forms a thrombus, the risk of developing a condition such as aorto-arterial embolism increases.

This form of cerebral infarction is characterized by gradual development. The symptoms of the disease are slowly but surely increasing. Quite a few days may pass from the onset of the disease to the onset of pronounced symptoms.

Cardioembolic

This form of stroke occurs against the background partial or complete blockage of arteries by blood clots. Often this situation occurs with a number of cardiac lesions that occur when parietal blood clots form in the heart cavity.

Unlike the previous form, cerebral infarction caused by thrombosis of the cerebral arteries happens unexpectedly, while the patient is awake.

The most typical area affected by this type of disease is considered blood supply area of ​​the middle cerebral artery.

Hemodynamic

Occurs against the background of a sharp drop in blood pressure or as a consequence sudden decrease in cardiac output. An attack of hemodynamic stroke can begin either abruptly or progressively.

Physical activity does not affect the origin of this form of heart attack: at the time of the attack, the patient can both physically rest and actively move.

Lacunar

Occurs due to damage middle perforating arteries. It is believed that it often occurs when the patient has high blood pressure.

The lesions are localized predominantly in subcortical structures brain.

Hemorheological

This form of stroke develops against the background of changes in normal blood clotting parameters.

Depending on the severity of the patient's condition Stroke is classified into three stages:

• light;
• average;
• heavy.

Heart attacks are also divided into classification according to the area of ​​localization of the affected area. The patient may have damage:

• in the area of ​​the inner side of the carotid artery;
• in the main artery, as well as in various vertebrates and their branches;
• in the area of ​​the cerebral arteries: anterior, middle or posterior.

Stages

Official medicine distinguishes 4 stages of the disease.

The first stage is the acute course of the disease. The acute phase of a stroke lasts three weeks from the moment of impact. Fresh necrotic changes in the brain form the first five days after the attack.

The first stage is the most acute of all existing ones. During this period, the cytoplasm and karyoplasm shrink, and symptoms of perifocal edema are noted.

The second stage is the period of early recovery. The duration of this phase is up to six months, during which pannecrosis changes occur in the cells.

A recurrent process of neurological deficiency often occurs. Near the location of the affected lesion, blood circulation begins to improve.

The third stage is the period of late recovery. Lasts from six months to a year after a cerebral infarction. During this time, glial scars or various types of cystic defects develop in the patient’s brain.

The fourth stage is the period of residual manifestations of the infarction. It begins 12 months after the stroke and can continue until the end of the patient’s life.

Causes

In fact, the reasons why one or another form of cerebral infarction develops are largely the consequences of various pathological conditions of the human body.

But Among the main causes of stroke are:

• atherosclerotic changes;
• systematic hypotension;
• disease with temporal arteritis;
• damage to large intracranial arteries (Moya-Moya disease);
• subcortical encephalopathy of a chronic nature.

People prone to obesity, people with diabetes, and chronic alcoholics are also at risk of having a stroke.

Smoking provokes thrombosis, so the bad habit must be forgotten if health problems are suspected.

Taking hormonal contraceptives also slightly increases the risk of cerebral infarction.

Watch the video that talks about the main causes of the disease:

Danger and consequences

The disease is extremely dangerous. In 40% of cases it ends in death in the first hours after the attack. However, with timely first aid, the patient is able not only to survive, but also to subsequently lead normal life activities.

The consequences of a cerebral infarction can be very different, ranging from numbness of the limbs to complete paralysis and even death.

Possible consequences and complications and indications for this operation. Everything you can find out about this is on our website in a separate article.

Symptoms and signs

Stroke in the vast majority of cases it immediately makes itself felt: a person suddenly begins to experience unbearable headaches, which most often affect only one side, the skin of the face during an attack acquires a pronounced red tint, convulsions and vomiting begin, breathing becomes hoarse.

It is noteworthy that seizures affect the same side of the body as the side of the brain affected by the stroke. That is, if the location of the lesion is on the right side, then the cramps will be more pronounced on the right side of the body and vice versa.

If the left side is affected, the patient will suffer from mental disorders; if the right side is affected, the speech apparatus will suffer.

However There are cases when there is no attack at all, and only some time after the stroke, which the patient might not even suspect, numbness is felt in the cheeks or hands (one of them), the quality of speech changes, and visual acuity decreases.

Then the person begins to complain of muscle weakness, nausea, and migraines. In this case, a stroke can be suspected if there is a stiff neck, as well as excessive muscle tension in the legs.

How is diagnostics carried out?

To establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment, several studies are used: MRI, CT, EEC, CTG, Dopplerography of the carotid artery.

In addition, the patient is prescribed a test for the biochemical composition of the blood, as well as a blood test for its coagulability (coagulogram).

First aid

The first measures to prevent irreversible consequences and death should begin in the very first minutes after the attack.

It is the first 180 minutes that are decisive in the patient’s life; this period of time is called the “therapeutic window”.

Procedure:

• Help the patient lie down on a bed or any other surface so that the head and shoulders are slightly higher than the level of the body. It is extremely important not to rub the victim too hard.
• Get rid of all items of clothing that compress the body.
• Provide maximum oxygen, open windows.
• Apply a cold compress to your head.
• Use heating pads or mustard plasters to support blood circulation in the extremities.
• Rid the oral cavity of excess saliva and vomit.
• If the limbs are paralyzed, then you should rub them with solutions based on oil and alcohol.

Video about cerebral infarction and the importance of providing proper first aid:

Treatment tactics

Cerebral infarction is an emergency condition that requires immediate hospitalization.

In a hospital setting, the main goal of treatment is restoration of blood circulation in the brain, as well as preventing possible cell damage. In the first hours after the onset of the pathology, the patient is prescribed special drugs whose action is aimed at dissolving blood clots.

In order to inhibit the growth of existing blood clots and prevent the appearance of new ones, they are used anticoagulants, which reduces the degree of blood clotting.

Another group of drugs that are effective in treating stroke is antiplatelet agents. Their action is aimed at gluing platelets. The same medications are also used to prevent recurrent attacks.

In some cases, surgery is required to remove the inner wall of the carotid artery affected by the plaque.

What's the prognosis?

People who have had a cerebral infarction have a good chance of recovering and even making a full recovery. If the patient’s condition remains stable within 60 days after the attack, this means that he will be able to return to normal life within a year.

Naturally, the patient’s age and the presence of other diseases, including chronic ones, play a role in this issue. The main thing is to believe in a positive perspective!

To prevent this disease from affecting you, you must adhere to the right lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, avoid stressful situations, monitor body weight, give up bad habits.

Or cerebral infarction is a clinical syndrome in which damage to an area of ​​the brain occurs. Since this organ plays the most important role and is responsible for all vital functions in the body, a decrease in blood circulation even in certain areas causes severe disorders, leading to disability and even death.

What it is?

In the international classification of diseases (ICD-10), cerebral infarction is coded I63. At the same time, several subclasses are distinguished based on the causes of this disease:

• thrombosis of precerebral arteries - I63.0;
• embolism of precerebral arteries - I63.1;
• unspecified blockage or stenosis of precerebral arteries - I63.2;
• thrombosis of cerebral arteries - I63.3;
• embolism of cerebral arteries - I63.4;
• unspecified blockage or stenosis of cerebral arteries - I63.5;
• non-pyogenic brain thrombosis - I63.6;
• other cerebral infarction - I63.8;
• unspecified cerebral infarction - I63.9.

In general, pathological processes in the brain are caused by oxygen starvation and lack of nutrients. This occurs due to blockage of blood vessels. The culprits of vascular obstruction may be a detached blood clot or an atherosclerotic plaque formed on the vessel wall, as well as a prolonged spasm. After 5-7 minutes without oxygen, brain tissue begins to soften, and its cellular structure is destroyed. In this case, the process is irreversible, so it is necessary to transport the patient to a medical facility as quickly as possible to provide qualified assistance.

With a cerebral infarction, the prognosis is not the most favorable: in 50% of cases the attack ends in disability, in 15-20% of cases - in death, in 4-5% of cases - in complete or partial recovery (may be complicated by epilepsy).

How does the disease progress?

In medicine, there are 4 stages of ischemic stroke:

1. First. An acute course of the disease occurs. Lasts about 3 weeks. Necrotic changes occur in the brain.
2. Second. Characterized by early recovery. Its duration is 6 months. Blood circulation begins to circulate near the affected area.
3. Third. This is a period of late recovery that lasts up to 1 year.
4. Fourth. It lasts from several years until the end of a person’s life and is accompanied by residual effects of the disease.

The onset of a heart attack, which depends on two parameters - the nature of the ischemic process and the size of the artery where the flow disturbance occurred, deserves special attention. So, it can be of three types:

• Acute. Symptoms progress quickly - within 1-2 hours. As a rule, in this case, patients arrive at the intensive care unit in an unconscious state. After such an attack, a person suffers from paralysis, impaired brain activity and other disorders.
• wavy. The condition is getting worse gradually. If a heart attack can be diagnosed in time, all brain functions can be completely restored.
• Tumor-like. The rate of development does not differ from the previous type, but in this case the attack is provoked not by brain hypoxia, but by developing tissue edema and.

If a person’s speech is impaired, motor activity decreases and sensitivity disorder occurs, it is necessary to call an ambulance, because there is a risk of a cerebral infarction!

Forms of the disease

The following forms of dangerous syndrome are distinguished:

• Atherothrombotic. The provocateur of a heart attack is atherosclerosis of large and medium arteries. The form appears in stages, the symptoms increase gradually.
• Cardioembolic. It is caused by blockage of a vessel with a blood clot that forms in the heart artery and then enters the brain vessel through the bloodstream. In this form, the blow occurs unexpectedly while the patient is awake.
• Hemodynamic. Occurs when there is a sharp decrease in pressure or a sudden decrease in the minute volume of the cardiac cavities, regardless of physical activity.
• Lacunarnaya. This form, on the contrary, is associated with high blood pressure - hypertension. It leads to damage to the middle perforating arteries.
• Hemorheological. It is associated with a violation of blood clotting parameters.

Causes of the disease

Among the main causes of the disease are:

• Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular disease caused by disturbances in protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Atherosclerotic plaques form inside the vessels, which narrow the lumen.
• , that is, persistent high blood pressure (up to 150/100 mm Hg). It increases atherosclerosis and causes disruption of the adaptive reactions of the arteries.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system. Patients who have had a myocardial infarction are at greater risk from this disease. According to statistics, in 8% of them the disease develops within one month, in 25% of patients - within 6 months. In addition, a variety of vascular diseases, heart failure or coronary heart disease can provoke a cerebral infarction.
• Thick blood. With high blood clotting rates, the risk of thrombosis increases.
• Disorders of the endocrine system. Often an attack is a consequence of diabetes mellitus.
• or atrial fibrillation.

The following reasons can provoke the development of the disease:

• bad habits - smoking (especially if you take oral contraceptives at the same time), alcohol abuse, taking narcotic drugs;
• constant stress or emotional overstrain;
• overweight;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• heredity;
• age (the older the person, the greater the risk of developing this disease).

Signs

There are two groups of signs - general and focal. The first of them are observed to one degree or another in every person, and the second depend on damage to a certain area of ​​the brain.

Are common

These include:

• severe headaches that can cause nausea and vomiting;
• confusion or loss of consciousness, there is a possibility of falling into a coma;
• pain in the eyeballs;
• paralysis of the tongue muscles, resulting in slurred speech;

In left-handed people, speech disorder occurs when the right hemisphere is affected. In right-handed people, this sign is noted when the left one is affected. In this case, the patient communicates using gestures and facial expressions.

• paralysis or decreased strength of the arms and legs;
• loss of sensitivity of the body, face;
• facial asymmetry - one of the corners of the mouth goes down.

Symptoms of ischemic stroke appear on the opposite side of the brain lesion. If the disease affects the left hemisphere, then all signs are noted on the right side of the body and vice versa.

Focal

In a patient with a brain lesion in the vertebrobasilar zone, the following is noted:

• coordination disorder;
• dizziness, which gets worse when you throw your head back;
• deterioration of vision, up to blindness;
• problems with the swallowing reflex;
• inability to pronounce individual letters, speech is quiet with hoarseness;
• development of paralysis or paresis.

Signs associated with arterial damage:

• when the anterior artery is blocked, paralysis of the legs occurs, eye movement and speech are impaired, and grasping reflexes occur;
• when the posterior artery is damaged, a disorder of visual function is noted, the patient forgets many words, but at the same time understands the speech of other people and speaks himself;
• if there is an obstruction in the middle artery of the brain, then paralysis occurs, sensitivity of the hands and lower part of the face is lost, the patient loses the ability to understand oral speech (he hears only incoherent sounds) and to use words to express his own thoughts.

Consequences of the disease

Some of the severe consequences of the disease include:

• - a common complication, which leads among others and is often the cause of death of the patient within 7 days after the stroke;
• congestive pneumonia - the disease usually occurs a month after the main illness due to the patient being in a supine position for a long time;
• bedsores, which also arise due to the patient’s prolonged stay in a supine state;
• development of acute heart failure and pulmonary embolism.

Long-term complications include:

• speech apparatus disorder;
• impaired motor function of the arms and legs;
• decreased facial sensitivity;
• movement coordination disorder;
• changes in the psyche and the appearance of various disorders;
• deterioration of mental abilities;
• the occurrence of epilepsy;
• difficulty swallowing food.

Diagnostic measures

To differentiate cerebral infarction from hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attack, it is necessary to conduct a number of studies:

• Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). The procedure allows you to obtain information regarding all vessels and the location of lesions.
• Computed tomography. The most reliable way to detect hemorrhage, strokes and transient attacks. It is rarely carried out, since the appropriate equipment is not yet available in all medical institutions.

• Dopplerography of the carotid artery. It is a type of ultrasound and allows you to obtain the same information as with MRI.
• Cerebrospinal fluid examination. If there is no blood in it, and the symptoms progress, then we can judge a cerebral infarction.

The diagnosis is clarified within a few hours, since the prognosis of the disease depends on timely treatment.

Treatment methods

The main thing is to get the patient to the hospital within 180 minutes from the onset of the heart attack. Only then does there hope for at least a partial recovery. Let’s look further into how help is provided to the patient.

First aid

During transportation, the patient must be administered a thrombolytic - a substance that quickly dissolves the blood clot. After 3 hours, it is no longer useful to administer it, since irreversible changes begin to occur in the brain. When administering the medicine, the doctor must make sure that the person has a cerebral infarction and not a stroke, otherwise such therapy will lead to death.

When transporting the patient, the patient must be kept elevated so that his head is 30 degrees higher than his body.

Conservative therapy

It is carried out to restore impaired cerebral circulation. The doctor may prescribe:

• anticoagulants to thin the blood, such as Heparin;
• antiplatelet agents to prevent the formation of blood clots and vascular obliteration;
• drugs for thrombolysis (thrombotic therapy), which promote the resorption of already formed blood clots.

In addition, symptomatic therapy is carried out, which is aimed at eliminating the disorders that have arisen in the body.

It is strictly forbidden to take any medications on your own. Everything must be agreed with the doctor!

Surgery

Impaired arterial patency can be restored by the following operations:

• bypass (an additional path is created to bypass the affected area using shunts - vascular prostheses);
• stenting (a stent is installed that widens the vessel);
• carotid endarterectomy (a blood clot or atherosclerotic plaque is removed along with a section of the artery wall).

These operations are performed extremely rarely in specialized clinics. Drug treatment is more often prescribed.

Rehabilitation therapy

After a blow, it is very important to begin rehabilitation:

• If you have a speech disorder, work with a speech therapist;
• restore motor functions with the help of massage, physiotherapy, physical therapy;
• If you have problems swallowing food, use special devices that stimulate the work of the swallowing muscles.

The person who has suffered an attack must regularly monitor his blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, give up bad habits, and lead a healthy lifestyle.

With a cerebral infarction, there is a high probability of death, so it is extremely important to call an ambulance in time. Only a specialist can provide the right assistance to prevent a number of complications. After an attack, it is extremely important to undergo rehabilitation therapy and take all medications prescribed by your doctor.