LACUNAR INFARCTIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Lacunar infarctions are small, localized areas of ischemic stroke that occur in the deep structures of the brain, typically within the subcortical white matter or deep gray matter. These infarctions are usually caused by the occlusion or blockage of small penetrating arteries within the brain.
In simple terms, lacunar infarctions refer to the formation of small areas of tissue damage within the brain due to the interruption of blood flow. They are unique in that they typically present as small, round cavities that are less than 2 centimeters in diameter.
Lacunar infarctions are primarily associated with underlying conditions that lead to the narrowing or hardening of blood vessels, such as hypertension and diabetes. The occlusion of these small arteries causes a disruption in the blood supply, resulting in the death of brain cells in the affected area.
Common symptoms of lacunar infarctions include weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sensory loss, and coordination problems. The severity of these symptoms depends on the location and size of the infarction.
Diagnosis of lacunar infarctions involves imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, which can reveal the presence and location of these small, localized brain lesions. Treatment usually involves managing the underlying conditions, maintaining optimal blood pressure levels, and preventing further complications through medication and lifestyle changes.
Overall, lacunar infarctions are a specific type of stroke that affects small blood vessels in the brain, resulting in localized tissue damage and associated neurological symptoms.
Common Misspellings for LACUNAR INFARCTIONS
- kacunar infarctions
- pacunar infarctions
- oacunar infarctions
- lzcunar infarctions
- lscunar infarctions
- lwcunar infarctions
- lqcunar infarctions
- laxunar infarctions
- lavunar infarctions
- lafunar infarctions
- ladunar infarctions
- lacynar infarctions
- lachnar infarctions
- lacjnar infarctions
- lacinar infarctions
- lac8nar infarctions
- lac7nar infarctions
- lacubar infarctions
- lacumar infarctions
- lacujar infarctions
Etymology of LACUNAR INFARCTIONS
The word "lacunar" comes from the Latin word "lacuna", meaning "a cavity" or "gap". In medical contexts, "lacunar" refers to small cavities or empty spaces within tissues.
The term "infarction" also has Latin roots, originating from the Latin word "infarcire", meaning "to stuff" or "to block up". In medicine, "infarction" refers to the obstruction of blood flow resulting in tissue death due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients.
Therefore, "lacunar infarctions" refers to small areas of tissue death caused by blocked blood vessels in the brain. These blockages occur in the small blood vessels known as "lacunae" or "lacunar arteries" within the brain.
