Can a Stroke Cause Unconsciousness?

Cerebral Infarction

Cerebral infarction, medically referred to as cerebral infarction, can potentially lead to coma in patients. This coma may be caused by large-area cerebral infarction, vascular compression, cerebral hemorrhage, among other factors.

1. Large-Area Cerebral Infarction

Large-area cerebral infarction involves more than two cerebral lobes, with an infarction area exceeding 20 square centimeters or accounting for 1/3 to 1/2 of the ipsilateral hemisphere. This condition is prone to progressive worsening of consciousness disorders and cerebral hernia, which in severe cases can lead to brain death or death.

2. Vascular Compression

If cerebral infarction affects vital centers such as the brainstem, it can cause coma in patients and potentially disrupt vital signs. If the infarction affects the dominant hemisphere, speech dysfunction may occur, leading to abnormal pronunciation or communication. If it affects fundamental centers like the cerebellum or brainstem, symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting may manifest.

3. Cerebral Hemorrhage

Following cerebral infarction, rupture of atherosclerotic plaques can lead to cerebral hemorrhage, potentially causing consciousness disorders and coma in patients. Brainstem infarction, specifically, can damage vital centers, resulting in lethargy and coma.

Coma in cerebral infarction patients represents a severe condition requiring immediate transportation to a qualified hospital for treatment. Timely thrombolysis combined with intravenous bridging therapy and thrombus removal to restore blood flow can be lifesaving.