A Comprehensive Guide to Cerebrovascular Health: Prevention and Treatment of Cerebral Arteriosclerosis, Early Signs of Thrombosis, and Home Treatment of Stroke Sequelae

To prevent and treat cerebral arteriosclerosis, it is essential to first prevent and treat systemic diseases, especially hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia, as these "three highs" are the main culprits behind cerebral arteriosclerosis. Effective control of these "three highs" will slow the progression of cerebral arteriosclerosis and alleviate its symptoms. Some middle-aged men are indifferent to their "three highs," ignoring their dangers, only to regret it when cerebral arteriosclerosis becomes life-threatening. Therefore, starting in middle age, it is crucial to prioritize the prevention and treatment of these "three highs" to effectively control the occurrence of cerebral arteriosclerosis. While the onset of cerebral thrombosis in middle-aged men is sudden, it often has a slow incubation period, generally lasting from minutes to hours, or even 1-2 days. Patients often experience the onset while at rest or at quiet, as their heart rate is slower, blood pressure is lower, and blood flow is slower at these times. Many patients experience difficulty speaking, water drooling from one side of their mouth while brushing their teeth, difficulty swallowing food, or weakness in one side of their body the following morning. These symptoms may be temporary or recurring. However, these symptoms are easily overlooked, but they are often early signs of cerebral thrombosis. They should be taken seriously, treated promptly, and treated aggressively to prevent cerebral thrombosis or alleviate symptoms. The treatment principles for cerebral embolism in middle-aged men are basically the same as for cerebral artery thrombosis. However, mannitol is usually administered early to prevent cerebral edema and brain herniation. If the patient does not show signs of increased intracranial pressure, low molecular weight dextran can be used to increase cerebral blood flow. Cerebral emboli are generally quite strong, and thrombolytic therapy is often ineffective because cerebral embolism often presents as hemorrhagic cerebral infarction. Anticoagulation therapy should be used with extreme caution. Since cerebral emboli are mostly caused by cardiac emboli, preventing heart disease is an important aspect of preventing cerebral embolism in middle-aged men. Six months after a stroke, the condition is typically considered to be in the sequelae period, during which the stroke is relatively stable. However, about 50% of stroke patients are left with hemiplegia. Active treatment can promote the recovery of function in the paralyzed limbs, and some patients can achieve a complete cure. Home treatment primarily focuses on strengthening the function of the affected limb (including active exercises by the patient and passive movements assisted by family members) to promote functional recovery. Massage is a simple and effective method; commonly used techniques include pushing, rubbing, kneading, and pinching. The massage should begin from the distal end of the limb and proceed towards the proximal end, following the direction of blood vessel and lymphatic flow (while combining active and passive functional training, such as flexion, extension, rotation, and limb swinging). Once the affected limb can move actively, flexibility training such as walking with a cane and grasping objects should be practiced to increase muscle strength. Acupuncture treatment can sometimes achieve good results. The main acupoints are Yanglingquan (GB34) penetrating Yinlingquan (SP9) and Quchi (LI11) penetrating Shaohai (HT3). Alternative acupoints include Lieque (LU7), Huantiao (GB30), Waiguan (TE5) penetrating Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4) penetrating Laogong (PC8), Juegu (GB39) penetrating Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Dicang (ST4) penetrating Jiache (ST6). Select 2-4 acupoints each time, once daily or every other day, choosing acupoints based on the location and severity of paralysis, and using strong or moderate stimulation. Simultaneously, you can take the traditional Chinese medicine Buyang Huanwu Decoction, with the following prescription: Astragalus membranaceus, Paeonia lactiflora, Angelica sinensis, Spatholobus suberectus, Prunus persica, Carthamus tinctorius, and Cinnamomum cassia. Mini-strokes are a precursor to stroke and should be taken with special attention. To treat microthrombosis, antiplatelet aggregation drugs are used, such as dipyridamole (Persanthin) and low-dose aspirin. Alternatively, cerebral vasodilators such as troxerutin (Vinpool), flunarizine (Sibelium), cinnarizine (Ceramide), papaverine, and cyclomansylpyridinium chloride (Antithrombolytic pill) can be taken orally. Vinpool can also be administered intravenously, typically 250 ml of low molecular weight dextran plus 0.4 g of Vinpool, once daily for 7-10 days as one course of treatment. Some people also choose urokinase, viper antithrombotic enzyme, and fibrinolytic enzymes for intravenous infusion. Traditional Chinese medicine often uses methods to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, such as using herbs like danshen, chuanxiong, safflower, angelica, red peony root, peach kernel, astragalus, mulberry mistletoe, earthworm, and achyranthes.