Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment of Blood Clots in the Brain

What are the Symptoms of Blood Clots in the Brain?

Multiple symptoms can be seen in patients with blood clots in the brain. Here are the possible symptoms seen in a patient with a blood clot in the brain.

1. Sudden severe headache
2. Weakness or numbness in one side of the body
3. Difficulty in speaking
4. Vision problems
5. Loss of balance or dizziness
6. Disorientation or confusion
7. Seizeure

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, must seek immediate medical help or consult a neurologist.

What Causes Blood Clots in the Brain?

Several factors can contribute to the formation of blood clots in the brain. These factors are as follows

1. A condition called atherosclerosis can cause blood clots in the brain. In this condition, arteries get hard and narrow due to plaque buildup in the body.
2. If you have an existing problem of high blood pressure you might have the risk of forming a blood clot in the brain.
3. A person with the condition of atrial fibrillation has a high risk of forming blood clots in the brain.
4. If you have a history of trauma or head injury, you might suffer from blood clot issues in future.
5. Genetic factors like a family history of blood clotting disorders can also lead to blood clot formation
6. Medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and certain blood disorders can lead to blood clots in the brain.
7. Some lifestyle factors including smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption etc can cause blood clots.

How is a Blood Clot in the Brain Diagnosed?

Blood clot diagnosis is a comprehensive evaluation. Many diagnostic tools and tests are done to confirm the presence and extent of the blood clot in the brain. The following are the steps and methods that are used in diagnosis-

Clinical Evaluation

At the very first, your medical healthcare provider reviews all your medical history and performs a neurological examination to check for signs & symptoms that indicate a blood clot.

Imaging Tests 

Certain imaging tests are performed to diagnose the condition of blood clots in the brain. Here are the imaging tests that can be performed.

1. A CT Scan is performed to get detailed images of the brain to quickly identify the blood clots or bleeding in the brain.
2. An MRI or (Magnetic Resonance Imaging )  is done to get high-resolution images of the brain structure to detect the clots in smaller blood vessels.
3. A Magnetic Resonance Angiography or MRA is done to identify blockages or abnormalities in the brain’s vascular system.
4. A Computed Tomography Angiography or CTA is combined with a CT scan with a contrast dye to highlight the blood flow in the brain’s arteries which helps to get the exact location of the blood clot in the brain.

Blood Tests

Blood tests such as partial thromboplastin time (PTT), international normalized ratio (INR) and prothrombin time (PT) are performed to assess the blood’s clotting ability and identify any underlying clotting disorders.

Lumbar Puncture

In some cases, a doctor needs to lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid for signs of bleeding or infection that may show the possibility of a clot in the brain.

Electroencephalogram

This EEG test is done to measure the electrical activity in the brain and helps the medical professional identify the areas of the brain that are affected by the clot.

Doppler Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound can assess blood flow in the neck’s carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, to detect any blockages or abnormalities.

By performing these diagnostic tests, a neurologist can accurately diagnose a blood clot in the brain, determine its location and severity, and plan appropriate treatment strategies.

What are the Options Available for Brain Clots in the Brain Treatment?

There are multiple treatment options available to treat the blood clot in the brain. Adoption of treatment options depends on multiple factors such as severity and location of the clot, size of the clot, patients’ overall health etc. Here are the possible treatment options for blood clots in the brain-

1. Blood thinners and clot-busting drugs can help treat blood clots in the brain. Medications such as thrombolytics or anticoagulants can be suggested by a neurologist. These medicines can only be taken if a medical professional recommends them.
2. Mechanical Thrombectomy and craniotomy are some surgical procedures that are carried out to treat blood clots in the brain.
3. Some supportive and preventive care like rehabilitation, managing chronic conditions, lifestyle changes, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help in preventing blood clots in the brain.