other causes of cerebral infarction

Last reviewed 01/2018

Less commonly, cerebral infarction may result from:

  • cerebral vasospasm:
    • following subarachnoid haemorrhage
    • migraine
  • haemodynamic effects:
    • following a rapid fall in local perfusion pressure in severe systemic hypotension or cardiac arrest
    • carotid occlusion in patients with an inadequate collateral supply from the contralateral carotid artery
    • subclavian steal syndrome - usually causes TIA
  • vasculitis - a rare but important cause of cerebral infarction as immediate immunosuppressive therapy is indicated; more common causes include giant cell arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, systemic lupus erythematosus, Takayasu's disease, radiation angiopathy