Early signs of cerebral infarction on CT scanner

The article was professionally consulted by resident Doctor Nguyen Quynh Giang - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International Hospital. Dr. Giang has many years of experience in the field of diagnostic imaging, especially in the field of multi-segment computed tomography, magnetic resonance.

Cerebral infarction is increasing due to the increase of cardiovascular diseases. There are many causes leading to cerebral infarction, early detection of signs of cerebral infarction on CT scanner will help patients have the opportunity to be treated and prevent complications.

Cerebral infarction is a type of stroke that occurs due to a lack of blood supply to the brain, is a pathological process that reduces blood flow to an area of ​​the brain due to narrowing or occlusion of a cerebral blood vessel, different from a cerebral hemorrhage that originates in the brain. from bleeding in the brain. Cerebral ischemia is a condition in which the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. If the lack of blood supply is not corrected or persists, that part of the brain will die from lack of oxygen and glucose. A cerebral infarction is an area of ​​the brain that is necrotic due to lack of blood supply.
Ischemic stroke accounts for about 80% of strokes and 20% of hemorrhagic strokes. Some common causes of cerebral infarction include:
Atherosclerotic large blood vessels account for 50%, of which large blood vessels outside the skull account for 45%, large blood vessels in the skull account for 5% Due to blood clots from the heart in open heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, atrial fibrillation,... creating blood clots going to the brain accounts for 20% of small blood vessel blockage in the brain is common in patients with hypertension, diabetes accounted for 25% Non-atherosclerotic artery disease accounted for <5% Blood diseases such as coagulopathy, congenital abnormalities of blood vessels, blood cell diseases,...

Symptoms of a cerebral infarction can occur suddenly even while the patient is asleep. Typical symptoms are headache, vomiting or nausea, hemiplegia. There may be disturbances of consciousness if the patient has extensive cerebral infarction, bilateral cerebral infarction, or brain stem infarction.

CT scan is one of the necessary diagnostic methods for early detection and appropriate treatment. Brain CT scan in the acute phase 3-6 hours after the onset of the disease, the changes on the brain CT images are very subtle, mainly caused by cerebral edema in the ischemic area.
Early signs of cerebral infarction on CT scanner include:
Loss of demarcation between gray matter and white matter: gray matter is more metabolically active than white matter, so it is affected first, gray matter becomes should be full of water and have a density close to that of white matter. Decreased density of duckweed Removes cortical insular grooves Clears cortical fissures Sylvius stenosis Ventricular and basilar stenosis Signs of spontaneous cerebral arterial hyperintensity Increased density of blood vessels in the polygonal area Willis due to a blood clot, especially the middle cerebral artery In the period after the brain infarction is formed, the brain CT image is the focus of hypodense in the cerebral cortex, subcortical areas or in the gray matter, the deep white in the perfusion zone of the artery.

In addition, to diagnose cerebral infarction, other paraclinical methods can be performed such as:
Brain magnetic resonance imaging: allows earlier diagnosis than computed tomography, especially on diffuse pulses, showing the region. reduced diffusion. Digital cerebral angiography with background erasure: is an invasive technique aimed at diagnosing a number of cerebrovascular occlusion diseases and at the same time removing blood clots through the intravascular route.

Cerebral infarction can cause a number of complications if not handled promptly such as:
Mobility paralysis: patients may have hemiplegia, arm paralysis, leg paralysis,... need help in all activities daily activities. Language disorders: the patient can speak very few words, has a slurred speech, even can't speak, ... because the brain area that governs language function is damaged. Cognitive impairment: brain infarction can cause memory loss and cognitive decline, making it difficult to do complex tasks. In order to improve memory and thinking, patients need to read books, participate in activities,... Blurry vision: is one of the complications after a cerebral infarction, many people have signs of blurred vision in one area. eye or both eyes. To prevent cerebral infarction, patients need to have a healthy lifestyle:
Early detection and treatment of diseases that are risk factors such as: hypertension, diabetes, heart valve disease, arrhythmia, ... Eat more foods rich in fiber Reduce salt and foods high in cholesterol Limit alcohol consumption, and prevent obesity Exercise regularly every day, avoid physical and mental stress Periodic check-ups and treatment according to the doctor's instructions.

In summary, there are many methods of diagnosing cerebral infarction, early detection of signs of cerebral infarction on CT scanner will increase the ability to prevent dangerous complications for patients. When symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, distorted mouth, half-body weakness appear,... it is necessary to quickly bring the patient to a medical facility for an early, accurate and methodical diagnosis. suitable treatment.
Periodic health check-ups help to detect diseases early, so that there are treatment plans for optimal results. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers with a reasonable price policy.
The patient's examination results will be returned to the home. After receiving the results of the general health examination, if you detect diseases that require intensive examination and treatment, you can use services from other specialties at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.