【Types of Cerebral Infarction】The Critical Differences Between Lacunar, Atherothrombotic, and Cardioembolic Stroke, and the 3 Major Risk Factors
Uncategorized
Cerebral infarction is not a single disease. It is broadly categorized into three types based on the mechanism of onset: “Lacunar Infarction,” “Atherothrombotic Infarction,” and “Cardioembolic Infarction.” Each type has different causes, treatments, and secondary prevention strategies.
Causation and Types of Cerebral Infarction
Type (Frequency)
Formal Name
Mechanism of Onset
Main Causes / Risk Factors
Common Age / Characteristics
1. Lacunar Infarction(≈25−35%)
Small Vessel Occlusion
Complete blockage of the small, deep perforating arteries (0.2−1.5 mm in diameter) within the brain.
Most common in 50s−70s. Often presents with classic symptoms like “pure motor hemiparesis,” “pure sensory stroke,” or “sensorimotor stroke.”
2. Atherothrombotic Infarction(≈25−35%)
Large Vessel Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerotic plaque builds up in the wall of large arteries (e.g., carotid or basilar artery), leading to: ① Direct blockage, or ② Plaque rupture, causing fragments to block smaller vessels.
* All risk factors for Atherosclerosis: High BP, Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Smoking, Obesity, Aging * Carotid Artery Stenosisis a well-known risk.
Most common after 60s. Often results in large infarcts and tends to be severe.
3. Cardioembolic Infarction(≈25−35%)
Embolism of Cardiac Origin
A blood clot forms within the heart (especially the left atrium), dislodges, and travels to block a cerebral artery. The location of the blockage is unpredictable.
