Clinical Manifestations of Cerebral Infarction

The clinical manifestations of cerebral infarction are complex and diverse, depending on the location, size of the lesion, and the state of collateral circulation. Common symptoms include sensory disturbances, motor dysfunction, and language disorders. Below are the details:

Non-specific Symptoms

1. Headache: Some patients may experience headaches of varying degrees before onset, with a throbbing or tearing pain nature.

2. Vomiting: Related to increased intracranial pressure, excessive blood pressure can lead to projectile vomiting.

3. Vertigo: Caused by cerebellar or brainstem infarction, manifesting as dizziness and instability when standing.

4. Disturbance of Consciousness: After a large-area cerebral infarction, various degrees of consciousness disturbance are common, ranging from drowsiness to coma.

Symptoms of Focal Neurological Deficits

1. Sensory Disturbances: Typically occurring in the distal extremities, manifested as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and abnormal touch sensations.

2. Motor Dysfunction: Weakness and limited mobility in one upper limb, with severe cases presenting as hemiplegia, involving similar symptoms in the lower limbs.

3. Visual Field Defects: If the lesion is above the main trunk of the retinal artery, contralateral visual field defects may occur.

4. Speech Dysfunction: Aphasia may arise if the infarction is in the dominant hemisphere, causing unclear articulation, slow speech, and difficulties in enunciation.

5. Ataxia: Usually caused by cerebellar infarction, manifested as unsteady walking, staggering gait, and frequent falls.

Other Symptoms

In addition to the above, patients may also experience dysphagia, choking on liquids, nausea, tinnitus, nystagmus, urinary and bowel dysfunction, seizures, and other discomforting symptoms. It is recommended to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, rest adequately, and refrain from overexertion. If any discomfort arises, prompt medical attention is advised.