Brain Ischemic Lesions: How to Prevent Progression

If you have been diagnosed with brain ischemic lesions, it is crucial to adopt a proactive approach to prevent the condition from worsening. Making healthy lifestyle choices plays a central role in this process. This includes quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and following a balanced, low-fat diet. These habits can significantly reduce the strain on your cardiovascular system and support overall brain health.

Managing Underlying Health Conditions

Controlling high blood pressure is one of the most important steps you can take. For most patients, blood pressure should ideally be maintained below 140/90 mmHg. However, if there is a coexisting condition such as diabetes or severe intracranial arterial stenosis, the target may vary. In such cases, overly aggressive blood pressure reduction should be avoided to prevent cerebral hypoperfusion and potential ischemic episodes.

Blood sugar management is equally vital, especially for diabetic patients. Keeping glucose levels within a healthy range—including fasting glucose, post-meal glucose, and HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin)—can help prevent further vascular damage. Additionally, elevated cholesterol levels should be addressed promptly. Lowering lipid levels not only helps in preventing plaque progression but also contributes to plaque stabilization, reducing the risk of stroke.

Diagnostic and Monitoring Strategies

Regular vascular evaluations are essential for monitoring the progression of ischemic lesions. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound can be used to assess cerebral blood flow dynamics. Meanwhile, carotid ultrasound offers valuable insights into the presence and stability of arterial plaques, as well as their impact on blood circulation.

Advanced Imaging for Accurate Assessment

If ultrasound results indicate moderate to severe carotid artery narrowing, further imaging such as CT angiography (CTA) should be considered to confirm the extent of luminal stenosis. In cases where CTA reveals significant narrowing or unstable plaque characteristics, advanced imaging modalities like high-resolution MRI or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) may be necessary for a more detailed vascular evaluation.