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Lenticulostriate Arteries
Small, deep penetrating arteries
known as the lenticulostriate arteries branch from the middle
cerebral artery Occlusions of these vessels or penetrating
branches of the circle of Willis or vertebral or basilar arteries
are referred to as lacunar strokes. About 20% of all stokes
are lacunar [Stoke/Brain Attack reporter's Handbook. Englewood,
Colo: National Stroke Association, 1995] and have a high incidence
in patients with chronic hypertension and in the elderly CT
scanning shows signs of infarction in only approximately half
of the most of the common form of lacunar stroke (pure motor
stroke), but MRI has increased the yield: the probability
that CT or MRI will be positive is generally a function of
the severity of the deficit [Mohr JP and Sacco RL, 1992] The
cells distal to the occlusion die, but since these areas are
very small Often only minor deficits are seen. When the infarction
is critically located, however, more severe manifestations
may develop, including paralysis and sensory loss.
Within a few months of the infarction,
the necrotic brains cells are reabsorbed by macrophage activity,
leaving a very small cavity a lake or lacune in French.
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Stroke Education
