Blood Clot in Brain: Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Neurosciences | Posted on 02/05/2024 by Dr. Pushkar Gupta

Table of Contents

Introduction

Blood clots in the brain are one of the conditions that often go ignored as not many people are aware of this problem. If you are experiencing symptoms like lightheadedness, or sudden headache, then book your appointment with one of the best multispecialty, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur. Blood clots in the brain are a problem that requires immediate doctor’s attention. If it is left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences.

Hence, for your better understanding, in this blog, we will discuss this condition comprehensively. Kindly note that this is for informative purposes only and we do not encourage overlooking the doctor’s consultation in any way.

What is a Blood clot in the brain?

A blood clot in the brain, also known as cerebral embolism or thrombus, develops in the blood veins supplying the brain. These clots can cause major side effects including ischemia or stroke by interrupting regular blood flow. Brain blood clots can occur due to several factors such as injury, atherosclerosis, and cardiac issues. Symptoms often might differ from minor to serious depending on the size and location of the clot. It often includes abrupt numbness, weakness, or trouble speaking. Immediate medical intervention is vital to stop additional harm or problems. Medication to break the clot, surgery to remove it, or therapies to improve blood flow are possible forms of treatment.

What are the symptoms of Blood clots in the brain?

The symptoms frequently appear quickly, and you must visit a doctor right away to avoid growing more problems like a stroke or irreversible brain damage. It's essential to determine these warning indicators and seek an immediate medical assessment if any disturbing symptoms occur, specifically if they do so rapidly or are accompanied by other distressing symptoms. Here are some of the common blood clots in the brain symptoms:

Sudden and excruciating headache
One side of the body weakness or numbness, trouble while speaking or understanding speech
Vision shifts
Lightheadedness or incoordination
Memory problems or disorientation
Loss of awareness or seizures

What causes Blood clots in the brain?

Cerebral emboli or thrombi, which are blood clots in the brain occur due to various underlying conditions interrupting the regular blood flow through the blood vessels in the brain. Here are these conditions:

Atherosclerosis: Fatty deposit buildup in blood vessels causing clots to form.
Heart conditions: Blood clots can form and move to the brain resulting in irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation.
High blood pressure: Blood artery walls can be harmed by hypertension increasing the probability of clot formation.
Smoking: The use of regular smoking leads to blood vessel damage and encourages the formation of clots.
Diabetes: It increases the risk of blood vessel damage and atherosclerosis.
Obesity: Being overweight raises the risk of problems like atherosclerosis and hypertension.
Sedentary lifestyle: Being inactive also enhances the probability of blood clot formation.
Family history: It involves genetic susceptibility to clotting disorders.
Certain drugs: Hormone replacement therapy and hormonal contraception cause the growth of brain clotting.
Trauma: Surgery or head injuries can damage blood arteries and encourage the production of clots.

How is a Blood clot in the brain diagnosed?

Diagnostic investigations and medical assessments are necessary to diagnose a cerebral blood clot. In general, healthcare experts involve a methodical strategy such as:

Physical examination: Assessing signs like a headache that begins to hurt suddenly, weakness, or neurological impairments.
Imaging tests: MRI or CT scan to view the brain and find any anomalies, such as clots.
Blood tests: Identifying the amounts of D-dimer, a marker of blood clot disintegration, or clotting factors.
Angiography: It involves using imaging methods to look for anomalies or blockages in blood arteries like cerebral angiography or CT angiography.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): Tracking brain activity to determine deviations linked to clot-related disorders, including seizures.
Lumbar puncture: After a lumbar puncture, the cerebrospinal fluid is assessed to identify the signs of bleeding or infection resembling blood clot symptoms.

What are the options available for Brain clots in the brain treatment?

The aim of blood clots in the brain treatment is to return normal blood flow to the brain and stop additional problems. Here are some of the options often involved in treating brain clots by healthcare professionals:

Medication: Blood thinners to prevent or promote the breakdown of clots, such as anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications.
Thrombolytic therapy: Recommending drugs that help in breaking up clots, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) fast.
Thrombectomy: It is a minimally invasive surgical technique involved in removing the clot from the blood vessel directly.
Catheter-directed thrombolysis: The use of a catheter to manage the clot-dissolving medication directly to the clot site.
Stent insertion: It is the process of inserting a stent to improve blood flow by opening blocked or restricted blood arteries.
Changes to one's lifestyle: Quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and exercising often assist in lowering the possibility of clotting.
Rehabilitation: It is the process of regaining lost functions and enhancing the quality of life after a clot through speech, physical, or occupational therapy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are serious risks to neurological function and general health linked to blood clots in the brain. Early symptom detection, precise diagnosis, and prompt treatment are vital to avert serious consequences like stroke or irreversible brain damage. The objective of treatment options involves improving patient outcomes, restoring blood flow, and preventing the production of new clots through medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Prevention, however, still depends on managing underlying risk factors and lifestyle changes. Brain clot victims can enhance their prognosis and quality of life with timely detection, effective treatment, and continuous care.

FAQ -

How long does it take for a blood clot in the brain to dissolve?

Blood clots in the brain might take a few weeks or months to dissolve.

How do you identify blood clots in the brain?

You need to look out for signs like regular headaches, blurry eyesight, uncontrollable motor functions, seizures, changes in personality, dizziness, and paralysis.

What happens if a blood clot is in the brain?

A blood clot in the brain can obstruct the oxygen flow and glucose leading to brain death within no time.