What does bilateral cerebral lacunar infarction mean?

Bilateral cerebral lacunar infarction may be caused by lifestyle factors, or by medical conditions such as microthrombi or small vessel disease.

1. Lifestyle factors

Bilateral cerebral lacunar infarction may result from lifestyle factors such as excessive body weight, long-term lack of physical activity, or excessive smoking and drinking, all of which can damage blood vessels.

2. Microthrombi

It may also be caused by microthrombi. These small clots typically form when white blood cells or fibrin adhere within the microcirculation. After detaching, they can disrupt local blood flow, leading to ischemia and cerebral infarction in the affected area, thus causing the aforementioned condition.

3. Small vessel disease

If small vessel disease occurs in the brain, it may also lead to bilateral cerebral lacunar infarction. This is often associated with underlying conditions such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes, which increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Hypertension can increase vascular fragility and lead to narrowing of small arterial lumens, resulting in the symptoms described above.

Patients should, under a doctor's guidance, properly manage blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid levels to prevent further progression of the disease.