Having a lacunar stroke is a serious condition that can result in permanent damage to your brain. There are a number of ways in which you can prevent this condition, and there are also some symptoms that you should be aware of. There are also some ways in which you can diagnose this condition and the best way to treat it.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lacunar stroke vary depending on the part of the brain that has been damaged. This can include weakness, loss of consciousness, numbness, and confusion. In severe cases, it may result in long-term disability. In these cases, the person may need physical rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and other assistance.
Lacunar stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted. Blood clots are sometimes formed in the heart or neck, which can travel to the brain. Blood clots may block the flow of blood to the deep parts of the brain. When the blood flow is interrupted, the brain cells die. If the blood clot is not removed quickly, it can cause more damage.
Lacunar strokes can be identified with reasonable accuracy in the first six hours after a stroke begins. This is due to the sensitivity of CT imaging. It is considered to be the most accurate imaging test. A CT scan can be used to rule out other medical problems and to get detailed images of the brain.
Lacunar strokes are very common. One study found that they occur in almost half of all ischemic strokes. The incidence is also higher among people who are older. The likelihood of developing further strokes is also higher among people who have had a lacunar stroke.
Lacunar strokes can be treated with thrombolysis. A blood clot is broken up with a mechanical device or an anticoagulant medication. It may be given directly at the time of the blockage in the brain.
Supportive measures include IV clot-dissolving medication and assisting with breathing and heart function. The goal of rehabilitation is to maximize recovery. Physical therapy can take weeks or months to re-learn lost motor skills. Some people may also need to learn new ways to do things.
Treatment is similar to that of an ischemic stroke. Blood-thinning medications may be prescribed, and a CT scan may be ordered to check for blockages. In cases of a small lacunar stroke, no symptoms may be present. If the person has severe symptoms, they may need to be hospitalized. The best way to reduce the risk of having a lacunar stroke is to prevent other stroke risk factors.
Diagnosis
Usually, lacunar stroke is diagnosed by a computed tomography (CT) scan. This scan shows a large main artery in the brain, heavily muscled and surrounded by smaller arteries. The smaller arteries branch off the main artery. Lacunar strokes occur when blood flow to a deep part of the brain is interrupted. The resulting damage can range from minor to severe.
The risk of lacunar stroke is highest in people with high blood pressure. These people should follow their doctor’s instructions for blood pressure control and take their medication as prescribed. They should also eat a healthy diet and stay away from saturated fats and smoking. They should also keep track of their blood sugar levels and follow their doctor’s recommendations.
Lacunar stroke is also more likely to happen in people with a family history of stroke. In addition, people who have diabetes, high blood pressure or are older have a higher risk of developing the condition. It is also more likely to happen in people with chronic heart disease.
The symptoms of lacunar stroke may not show up on CT, but they will show up on a detailed neurological exam. The symptoms may include difficulty with speech, memory, cognition, or movement. Some of these symptoms may last for weeks or months. In some cases, they may lead to permanent disability.
The incidence of lacunar stroke is approximately 29 per 100,000 people. This makes it one of the most common ischaemic strokes. It accounts for 20 percent to 30 percent of all ischemic strokes. This type of stroke can be caused by a blood clot or a small hole in the subcortical white matter.
The diagnosis of lacunar stroke can be difficult. The smaller arteries to the deep brain structures are too small for a thrombectomy to take care of the clot. Instead, medications that restore circulation to the brain may be administered to reduce symptoms. The goal of rehabilitation is to get the person back to full health.
Lacunar stroke can be treated, but early detection is important. This allows for treatment to be given in time to minimize brain damage.
Treatment
Typically, a lacunar stroke is characterized by the presence of a small area of the brain which has been damaged. It is caused by the obstruction of the flow of blood through a tiny blood vessel. Symptoms are not usually obvious on a CT scan and may be delayed for weeks or months. It is important to treat a lacunar stroke as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage to the brain.
Lacunar infarcts are associated with an increased risk of stroke and dementia. This is because the clot can travel to the brain through the bloodstream. However, blood clots rarely cause lacunar strokes. They are usually caused by high blood pressure, heart disease, or smoking. It is important to monitor blood pressure and avoid smoking.
Lacunar stroke treatment is similar to treatment for other types of stroke. It involves a medical examination and medication to manage risk factors. A CT angiography may also be performed to find out if there is a blockage in the brain’s blood vessels. Treatment includes medicines that can help reduce the symptoms of lacunar stroke.
Lacunar stroke treatment can also involve surgical intervention. A neurosurgeon can perform a procedure to remove the clot from the brain. A doctor may also order an electrocardiogram or a neurological exam to find out what kind of stroke you have. If you have a severe infarct, you may be prescribed intravenous clot-busting drugs. The goal of stroke treatment is to reduce symptoms, improve circulation, and minimize disability.
Lacunar strokes have a higher recovery rate than other types of strokes. The good news is that most people recover within three months of a stroke. However, they can still be permanently disabled. This can mean a lengthy rehabilitation process. Your doctor may also prescribe physical therapy to help you get back into your daily routine.
The best way to lower your risk of a lacunar stroke is to avoid smoking, control your blood pressure, and eat a healthy diet. Also, exercise for at least 150 minutes a week. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help manage your risk factors for stroke.
Prevention
Identifying and treating a lacunar stroke can be a life-threatening situation. Lacunar strokes occur when blood flow to the deeper structures of the brain is interrupted. The blockage causes the brain cells to die within a few minutes. If left untreated, the injury could result in permanent disability. Lacunar strokes usually occur in older people. In addition, there is some evidence that Black people are more likely to have these strokes than white people.
Lacunar strokes may be caused by high blood pressure, or a blood clot may form in the neck or the large artery that branches directly to the brain. These types of strokes are usually detected with a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Some studies suggest that aspirin can prevent a lacunar stroke. For example, the African American Antiplatelet Stroke Prevention Study randomized patients who had a non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke to receive aspirin or dipyridamole. The results showed that aspirin was not significantly better than dipyridamole.
Another study found that patients who were treated with aspirin alone or in combination with ticlopidine were less likely to have a second stroke within a year of the first one. The study found 52 cases in every 100,000 people.
There are several risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. These risks can be reduced by quitting smoking, monitoring blood pressure, and taking your medication as directed. It is also a good idea to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Stroke symptoms may be severe, so it is important to seek emergency treatment. Lacunar strokes can cause permanent disabilities, and you may require physical or mental rehabilitation. A rehabilitation center can provide intensive therapy and help you adjust to your new life.
Blood-thinning medications can also help prevent a lacunar stroke. For instance, cilostazol is an alternative drug to aspirin.
In addition, control of secondary stroke risk factors is a critical element in lowering your risk of a recurrent lacunar stroke. This means keeping your blood pressure under control, avoiding high-fat diets, and maintaining regular care. The goal is to maximize your recovery.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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