Introduction
A lacunar stroke (lacunar infarction) is a blockage of one of the small arteries deep in the brain. When one of these arteries is blocked, parts of the brain do not get enough oxygen and die. Lacunar stroke is a medical emergency that must be treated right away.
A lacunar stroke is a type of ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot blocking an artery.
What are the causes?
A lacunar stroke is caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow in an artery in the brain. The blockage is the result of the arteries becoming more narrow due to a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis).
What increases the risk?
You are more likely to develop this condition if:
You have high blood pressure (hypertension).
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A physical exam.
Blood tests.
A CT scan of the brain.
MRI.
Ultrasound of an artery. This may help find blood flow problems or blockages.
Angiogram. During this test, dye is injected into your blood and then an X-ray is done to look for blockages. The dye helps blood flow and blockages show up clearly on X-rays.
Electroencephalogram (EEG). This test checks electrical activity in the brain.
How is this treated?
Treatment for this condition focuses on removing the blood clot and restoring blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible. This may include:
Medicine that dissolves the blood clot (tissue plasminogen activator, TPA). This medicine is given within the first few hours of the stroke through an IV tube.
A procedure to remove the clot (mechanical thrombectomy). During this procedure, a small, thin tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in the upper thigh area and moved into the blocked artery in the brain. A wire mesh cage (stent retriever) will then be inserted into the catheter and moved to the clot. The stent retriever will be used to open the artery and remove the clot.
These treatments must be done within 3–6 hours of the start of the stroke. It is important to get help right away as soon as you notice symptoms of
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Signs are sudden trouble speaking, slurred speech, or trouble understanding what people say.
T - Time. Time to call emergency services. Write down what time symptoms started.
You have other signs of stroke, such as: A sudden, severe headache with no known cause. Nausea or vomiting. Seizure.
You have a severe fall or injury.
You have an injury (such as a cut) that does not stop bleeding after you hold pressure on it.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
A lacunar stroke (lacunar infarction) is a blockage of one of the small arteries deep in the brain. When one of these arteries is blocked, parts of the brain do not get enough oxygen and die.
This condition is a medical emergency that must be treated right away. Treatments must be done within 3–6 hours of the start of the stroke.
Treatment for this condition focuses on removing the blood clot as quickly as possible.
Get help right away if you have any symptoms of stroke. "BE FAST” is an easy way to remember the main warning signs of