[Health Lecture] Lacunar cerebral infarction: small lesions, big threats

In order to ensure the popularization effect of learning health knowledge in the "2024 China Senior Health Knowledge Competition", the organizer has collected various health science articles suitable for the elderly to learn from various hospitals, and we will share them through the "Health Lecture" column. Today, Director Zou Can of Yulin Veterans Hospital (Yulin Fourth People's Hospital) in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region brought "Lacunar Cerebral Infarction: Small Lesions, Big Threats", and welcome elderly friends to learn. In our nervous system, cerebral infarction is an important threat. And there is a special type of it, which is lacunar cerebral infarction, which is often found in brain CT and MRI examinations during physical examinations, especially in retired elderly people.

Perhaps, many elderly people will feel very scared when they hear the word "cerebral infarction". In fact, although lacunar infarction is the "direct line" of cerebral infarction, it is relatively special and we should look at it correctly.

1. What is lacunar infarction?

Lacunar infarction, as the name implies, is an infarction caused by the blockage of small blood vessels in the brain. Because the lesions are small, usually between 0.2 and 15 mm in diameter, they are also called multiple lacunar infarctions. During physical examinations, most of these small lesions are easily detected through brain CT and MRI scans.

2. Why is it more common among retired elderly people?

Retired elderly people are at high risk of lacunar infarction, mainly because their living conditions have changed, their exercise has decreased, their metabolism has slowed down, their blood vessels have become less elastic, and they are more likely to form blood clots. In addition, as they age, their body functions are degenerating, which also increases the risk of disease.

Different types of cerebral infarction

In addition to lacunar infarction, there are other types of cerebral infarction, such as cerebral thrombosis and cerebral embolism. Among them, cerebral thrombosis is the most common type of cerebral infarction, accounting for about 60% of all cerebral infarctions. This type of cerebral infarction is caused by thrombosis inside the cerebral blood vessels, which leads to blood vessel blockage, ischemia, hypoxia and necrosis of brain tissue.

4. Characteristics of multiple lacunar infarctions

Although multiple lacunar infarction is a type of cerebral infarction, it does not have any symptoms in most cases. However, it is also necessary to pay attention to it because it is an early manifestation of blockage of small blood vessels in the brain. If it is not treated in time, it may develop into a large area of ​​cerebral infarction.

5. Differences between lacunar infarction and cerebral infarction

The difference between lacunar infarction and cerebral infarction lies mainly in the size and location of the infarct. Lacunar infarction has a smaller lesion, while cerebral infarction usually presents as a larger infarct. In addition, lacunar infarction usually occurs in the basal ganglia, internal capsule, corona radiata, brainstem and cerebellum deep in the brain, while cerebral infarction occurs in the cerebral hemispheres, cerebral cortex or subcortical white matter.

6. Correctly view lacunar infarction

Although lacunar infarction is a small lesion, it does not mean that it poses a small threat. In fact, a small lesion may also cause severe neurological deficits, such as sudden aphasia, hemiplegia, numbness of the mouth, dizziness, headache, etc. Therefore, we cannot underestimate this small lesion, but should treat it correctly, conduct regular health checks, and detect and treat it in time.

VII. Impact of lacunar infarction on mental illness in the elderly

As age increases, the probability of elderly people suffering from lacunar infarction is also increasing. This disease not only affects the physical health of the elderly, but also has a significant impact on their mental health. After suffering from lacunar infarction, the elderly may experience psychological problems such as decreased cognitive function, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. This is because lacunar infarction can cause certain damage to the neural network and structure of the brain, thereby affecting the normal function of the brain. At the same time, the difficulties and challenges in the rehabilitation process may also have a negative impact on the mental state of the elderly. Due to the loss of neurological function caused by lacunar infarction, the elderly may face greater difficulties in the rehabilitation process, such as memory loss, inattention, and difficulty in movement, which will have a negative impact on their self-confidence and mood.

8. Families and society should strengthen their attention and intervention on mental illness among the elderly.

As the age increases, the chances of elderly people suffering from lacunar cerebral infarction will increase. At the same time, there are also many elderly people suffering from various mental illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease, uni/bipolar disorder, depression, etc. We should understand its characteristics, classification and pathogenesis, and look at it correctly. Only by maintaining a healthy lifestyle can we guarantee health to the greatest extent.

Conclusion:

Although lacunar infarction is a small lesion, it is a threat that cannot be underestimated. At the same time, communities and medical institutions should also provide corresponding psychological intervention and support services to help the elderly better cope with psychological problems and improve their quality of life.

Here, we call on all elderly friends to maintain good living habits, have regular health checks, and detect and treat any abnormalities as early as possible. Family members and friends should communicate more with the elderly, always understand their physical condition and psychological needs, and give them more care and support. Image from: Qianku.com

About the Author:

Zou Can is the Party Secretary of the Medical Technology Branch of Yulin Veterans Hospital (Yulin Fourth People's Hospital) in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Deputy Chief of the Quality Control Department, and Deputy Administrative Director of the Radiology Department; Standing Committee Member of the Radiology Branch of Yulin Medical Association, Expert Member of Yulin Radiological Quality Control Center; Senior Engineer of Medical Equipment, and Co-editor of a Medical Monograph. He has published more than 20 papers of various types, which have been collected by the academic organizations of the Chinese Medical Association in the form of special reports, presentations and compilations. He loves poetry and prose, and his works in recent years have appeared in Life Times, Health News, Chinese Medical Humanities, Guangzhou Poetry News, etc.