A blockage in one of the small arteries deep in the brain can cause a lacunar stroke. This is a common type of ischemic stroke.
Typically, ischemic strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain does not flow properly due to blockage. Blood clots or other particles may cause these blockages. A person can also develop serious health implications due to these events.
Lacunar strokes make up about 1 in 4 Trusted Sourceof all ischemic strokes. They tend to occur in older adults, and doctors associate them with hypertension — or high blood pressure — and diabetes mellitus.
Sometimes doctors may refer to this condition as a lacunar infarct.
Keep reading to learn more about lacunar strokes, including details about their risk factors, treatment options, and outlook.
What is a lacunar stroke?
A lacunar strokeTrusted Source is an ischemic stroke. It is usually not too physically disabling, but if it affects memory or decision-making capabilities, a person may not be able to live as independently as they would like.
Ischemic strokes happen when the blood flow to the brain is blocked. The blockage stops oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain cells, and as a result, the cells die.
Some small lacunar strokes lead to lacunar stroke syndrome. This generally refers to a set of symptoms that people with the condition may experience.
A person can sometimes have multiple lacunar strokes at the same time, leading to various physical or cognitive issues.