What are the causes of a basal ganglia infarct?

Question

Hi doctor,

My father, 56 years old, had a stroke of acute infarction in the left basal ganglia. They also had an old right occipital lobe infarct and an attack four years back. Give advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I would like to know some further information about your father:

1. Does he have any other medical history? Diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, and kidney problems?

2. Does he smoke or drink?

3. Was he on any regular medications after the first stroke?

As shown in the attached report (attachment removed for patient identity protection), there is a large acute infarct in the left front-parietal-temporal area with a midline shift toward the right side. This scenario seems not to be in good condition. Instead, it is life-threatening as it is already compressing the other side of the brain.

In such cases, some life risks can be made better by a brain operation in which the skull bone on the side of the stroke is removed surgically to create free space for the swollen brain on that side, called - Hemicraniectomy. However, it is decided based on the patient's parameters and clinical status.

I suggest you discuss this with your neurologist and neurosurgeon.

Thank you.