What is a Brain Infarction?
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
All of the organs in the body require an adequate amount of blood flow in order to operate correctly and stay in good working order. When an organ is deprived of blood by a blocked or damaged artery, the tissues may die, causing the organ to fail or suffer permanent damage. A brain infarction is when the brain is prevented from receiving blood, leading to tissue damage, stroke, and possible fatality.
There are two types of brain infarction, based on where the damage occurs. A cerebral infarction occurs when the cerebral cortex is starved of blood due to damage to the carotid arteries. The lower part of the brain receives most of its blood from vertebral arteries, leading to a brain stem infarction when blood supply is choked off. Both types of infarction can lead to serious complications such as brain damage or even death.
A brain infarction will often have immediate symptoms consistent with a stroke. Motor skill trouble, dizziness, numbness or paralysis may occur. Some patients may lose vision or begin seeing double, and may have difficulty speaking clearly. Sudden headaches, nausea, or vomiting may also be signs of an infarction in the brain. Anyone known to be at risk for a stroke should be treated with prompt medical attention if any symptoms appear. Immediate treatment may save lives or prevent serious damage, although in some cases the condition can simply not be treated fast enough to save a patient.
Because blocked arteries are a major contributing factor for stroke or infarction, people who smoke or have high cholesterol levels may be considered to be high risk for the condition. People with medical conditions or on medication that may cause blood clots may also have a higher risk of a brain infarction. Some recent studies have also indicated that patients with sleep apnea or chronic snoring issues may be at risk as well.
As artery function typically decreases with age, the elderly are considered most at risk for brain infarction. However, the condition can arise at any age, and is also associated with infantile or fetal brain damage. Since not all types of infarction are symptomatic or occur suddenly, even healthy adults can have a growing infarction and be unaware of it. A symptom-free “silent infarction” can be as serious as an infarction with a sudden appearance, and can be more difficult to diagnose because of the lack of symptoms.
Long-term effects and prognosis may depend on the severity of the damage and how quickly the condition is treated. Drug treatment may be available to increase blood flow to the affected area and clear blocked arteries. As with many conditions, beginning treatment as early as possible appears to be a key factor in successful recovery.
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.
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![Symptoms of a brain infarction may include dizziness.]()
By: elavuk81Symptoms of a brain infarction may include dizziness. -
![Symptoms of a brain infarction may include loss of vision.]()
By: yanlevSymptoms of a brain infarction may include loss of vision. -
![Smokers may be susceptible to experiencing a brain infarction.]()
By: Marcin SadlowskiSmokers may be susceptible to experiencing a brain infarction. -
![Medication may be helpful in treating a brain infarction.]()
By: SaklakovaMedication may be helpful in treating a brain infarction. -
![Sleep apnea and snoring issues might put someone at risk of a brain infarction.]()
By: Tracy KingSleep apnea and snoring issues might put someone at risk of a brain infarction. -
![The elderly may be more likely to have a brain infarction, which can cause sudden headaches and vomiting.]()
By: Mikael DamkierThe elderly may be more likely to have a brain infarction, which can cause sudden headaches and vomiting. -
![Brain infarcations may lead to tissue damage, stroke and death.]()
By: Tyler OlsonBrain infarcations may lead to tissue damage, stroke and death. -
![There are two factors that contribute to a brain stem infarct.]()
By: WavebreakmediaMicroThere are two factors that contribute to a brain stem infarct. -
![A brain infarction can be the cause of a stroke.]()
By: joshyaA brain infarction can be the cause of a stroke.
Discussion Comments
Does a brain infarct with gliosis result in Alzheimer's Disease?
Can depression lead to brain stroke?
Recovery from brain infarction depends on how reversible the damage to the brain tissue is. Many small infarcts improve over weeks to months. Old, small infarcts may be discovered on CT or MRI scans, apparently having occurred in the past without symptoms. Large infarcts may cause patients considerable symptoms, which may still be improving at least two years after the stroke.
I really like this article. My elder brother has suffered from brain infarct and now he is recovering. This article helped me a lot to know about this serious problem. Thanks for making me more aware.
The incident of a silent infarction is also like a stroke in its inability to diagnose right away. A few years ago, my great aunt had two strokes, and it was very difficult for my mother's cousins to figure it out for awhile afterward; they just thought she had fallen.
It was not until she showed some of the other symptoms of having had a stroke, like forgetfulness or difficulty responding to things with her physical sense, that they realized she needed to see a doctor. She recovered, but since then she has not been the same woman; even small incidents like that, or like infarction, could have a very large effect on your brain in the long term.
The fact that a problem with arteries could cause something similar to mild stroke symptoms really gives you an idea of just how connected all of the different parts of the body are, and how easily we can throw that delicate balance out with lifestyle choices and other poor decisions.
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