Causes Of Cerebral Infarction Explained
Cerebral infarction, often mistakenly referred to as cerebral obstruction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked, leading to tissue damage and a range of neurological symptoms. This condition can be caused by several factors, which are outlined below:1. Atherosclerosis And Its Contributing Factors
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of cerebral infarction. As people age, certain risk factors can accelerate the development of plaque buildup in the arteries. Conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes significantly increase the likelihood of arterial narrowing. Additionally, unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. These unstable plaques can rupture, leading to the formation of blood clots that block cerebral blood flow and result in ischemic damage to the brain tissue.
2. Cardiogenic Causes And Embolic Events
Heart-related issues also play a significant role in causing cerebral infarction. Conditions such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, which are types of cardiac arrhythmias, can lead to the formation of blood clots within the heart chambers. Similarly, valvular heart disease or intraventricular thrombi can result in clot formation. When these clots dislodge, they travel through the bloodstream and may become lodged in a cerebral artery, causing what is known as an embolic stroke or cerebral embolism.
3. Less Common But Important Causes
Besides the more common causes, there are several rarer conditions that can also lead to cerebral infarction. These include vascular dissection, vasculitis, and various inherited or acquired conditions that cause the blood to be in a hypercoagulable state. In such cases, the body is more prone to forming blood clots, which can obstruct blood vessels in the brain and lead to stroke.