Can lacunar infarction cause brain atrophy?

　　Lacunar infarction refers to lacunar cerebral infarction. If multiple lacunar infarctions occur, they may lead to brain atrophy; however, if the lacunar infarct lesions are small and located in non-critical areas, brain atrophy may not occur. Patients are advised to seek timely medical care at a hospital and follow medical guidance for treatment. The analysis is as follows:

　　When multiple tiny infarct lesions appear in the brain, these lesions may gradually enlarge and merge, causing local cerebral ischemia, necrosis, and liquefaction, thereby leading to localized brain atrophy. Multiple lacunar infarcts are usually associated with chronic vascular diseases such as long-term hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. These conditions can cause hyaline degeneration of deep penetrating cerebral arteries, thickening of vessel walls, and narrowing or occlusion of the lumen, resulting in the formation of infarct lesions.

　　If the lacunar infarct lesions are small and located in non-essential regions of the brain, their impact on brain tissue may be relatively minor and insufficient to cause noticeable brain atrophy. If lacunar infarction is promptly and effectively treated—such as by following medical advice to use medications like vinpocetine injection, atorvastatin calcium tablets, and enteric-coated aspirin tablets—to improve cerebral blood circulation, the infarct lesions may be controlled or even gradually reduced, thus preventing or minimizing brain tissue damage and atrophy.

　　It is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in moderate exercise, which can help reduce the risk of lacunar cerebral infarction and, to some extent, mitigate its impact on brain tissue.