What are the causes of a few small腔梗 (lacunar infarcts) in the brain?
Jul 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a small number of lacunar infarcts in the brain may be caused by aging, unhealthy lifestyle habits, hypertension, diabetes, cerebral small vessel disease, and other factors. If experiencing any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, one should maintain a pleasant mood and avoid emotional excitement; take medications regularly as prescribed, without discontinuing or changing medications arbitrarily; and undergo regular follow-up brain imaging and related tests.
Generally, a small number of lacunar infarcts in the brain may be caused by aging, unhealthy lifestyle habits, hypertension, diabetes, cerebral small vessel sclerosis, and other factors. If experiencing any discomfort, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Aging
With aging, cerebral blood vessels gradually age, vascular wall elasticity decreases, and blood flow slows down, making it prone to form tiny blood clots, leading to minor lacunar infarcts in the brain. It is important to maintain a regular lifestyle, avoid excessive fatigue, engage in mild exercises like walking and Tai Chi to promote blood circulation, and undergo regular cerebrovascular examinations to monitor vascular health.
2. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, and high-fat, high-salt diets can damage vascular endothelium, accelerate vascular aging, increase the risk of lacunar infarcts, and may be accompanied by dizziness. Smoking should be quit and alcohol consumption limited, dietary structure adjusted to reduce intake of high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar foods, while increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Developing a habit of regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight is also important.
3. Hypertension
Long-term hypertension can damage small cerebral vessels, leading to thickened vessel walls and narrowed lumens, resulting in minor lacunar infarcts in the brain, which may be accompanied by headaches. Patients should take medications such as nifedipine controlled-release tablets, irbesartan tablets, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets under a doctor's guidance to control blood pressure within the normal range. Regular blood pressure monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans based on blood pressure changes are necessary.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes can cause persistently elevated blood glucose levels, damaging vascular endothelium, increasing blood viscosity, and making it prone to form blood clots, leading to lacunar infarcts, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as thirst and frequent urination. Patients should use medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, glimepiride tablets, and insulin injections under medical guidance to control blood glucose levels, while also paying attention to diet to avoid significant blood glucose fluctuations.
5. Cerebral Small Vessel Sclerosis
Cerebral small vessel sclerosis can narrow the vascular lumen, reduce blood flow, and cause cerebral tissue ischemia and hypoxia, leading to minor lacunar infarcts in the brain, often accompanied by memory decline. Patients should take medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, and ginkgo biloba extract tablets under a doctor's guidance to improve vascular condition and cerebral blood circulation.
In daily life, maintaining a cheerful mood and avoiding emotional excitement are important. Medications should be taken on time as prescribed, without擅自 stopping or changing medications. Regular follow-up brain imaging and related indicator tests should be conducted to detect any changes in the condition promptly.
