A Blood Clot in Brain/Stroke: Symptoms to Watch out For

A blood clot in the brain often leads to a more complex ailment like brain stroke. Therefore, it is essential to address this problem at an early stage to have better chances of survival and disability  for the patient. Here, we will discuss the major symptoms of a blood clot formation in the brain that can eventually lead to a brain stroke. This way, you can identify the same and seek adequate medical attention.

 

What Is a Brain Stroke?

A brain stroke usually occurs when the blood flow to certain parts of your brain stops, hindering the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients, leading to damage in brain tissues. One may experience partial paralysis along with other physical weaknesses when such a condition occurs. It is a major health hazard, and the patient should be immediately subjected to medical treatment to ensure optimum survival.

When there is a hindrance in the bloodstream flowing to your brain, a stationary blood clot in the head known as thrombus is formed. A thrombus can break loose and enter the bloodstream leading to what is called an embolus. This formation of a thrombus and embolus lead to several unpleasant occurrences and symptoms in your body, indicating the incoming of a brain stroke. 

Other reason for brain stroke can be Bleeding/ Hemorrhage in the brain because of high blood pressure (hypertension) or other underlying causes

 

Major Symptoms of a Blood Clot Formation in Your Brain

Some of the major symptoms of brain stroke are:

• Speech Impairment and Blurry Vision: Two of the major symptoms of a brain stroke include speech impairment and blurry vision leading to physical imbalances in the patient. You may see double of all things along with blurred or blackened vision due to cerebral  thrombosis and may lose the ability to speak or understand others during that period. If you do manage to talk, your words may be slurred and become very difficult for others to comprehend.
• Partial Paralysis: One of the most dangerous symptoms of brain stroke is the partial paralysis of your body. You may lose control of one side of your face or one arm or leg during a blood clot formation in your brain. This occurs on just one side of your body, making you lose the ability for physical activity. You may also feel one side of your mouth drooping while you smile.
• Headache and Physical Imbalance: You may experience excruciating pain in your head and experience physical imbalance during a brain stroke. In fact, headaches are prevalent symptoms of a blood clot in the brain. You might lose the ability to walk or stand, leading to a physical imbalance in the body.
• Troubles with Food Consumption: You may experience hardship with eating and swallowing if you are suffering from a brain stroke. You may also be unable to take any liquids. You may also feel a constant urge to vomit and feel giddy.

 

Complications Arising After a Brain Stroke

A brain stroke may lead to several other complications in the patient after he/ she has suffered through it. Here are some of the common complications amongst brain stroke survivors:

• Depression is a byproduct and very common among patients who have suffered from a brain stroke. They may lose control of their emotions and can lead themselves to emotional breakdowns.
• Brain stroke survivors often lose the ability to take care of themselves. They almost always need external assistance to do daily tasks. They will need help in grooming themselves, doing day-to-day chores, etc.
• Patients may suffer from permanent partial paralysis losing the ability of muscle movement on one part/side of their body. They may also experience physical imbalance and may need help with standing up and walking.
• Brain stroke patients are more likely to develop memory problems, sometimes even failing to recognize their close ones and family members. 1 out of 4 people who have suffered thorough brain stroke can end up having dementia or partial memory loss.
• Brain stroke patients often lose the ability to understand and comprehend others. So, they may not understand you and may rely on other methods to communicate.

 

Wrapping Up

A brain stroke is a severe health hazard that should be dealt with utmost care. The patient must seek immediate medical help to have the best possible chances at surviving this ordeal. A blood clot in the brain leads to many major health complications and sometimes even death, and only proper medical attention can help the patient to survive. The symptoms mentioned above are all major indicators of an impending brain stroke. So, if you observe the same in your body or someone else’s, immediately seek the assistance of a doctor. There have been numerous cases of death due to brain strokes, infact stroke is one of the leading cause of death, and only rapid action can ensure optimum chances of survival and better outcomes. Please contact us to know more.

Dr. Prashant K. Singh | Consultant – Interventional Neurology | Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur