It can block an artery or a vein

A blood clot in the brain can have serious consequences.

Blood clots may form in arteries or veins of the brain.

A blood clot in a vein in the brain is often calledcerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

This is a key in of stroke that can cause permanent brain damage.

Most strokes are triggered by an interruption of blood flow in an artery of the brain.

Cerebral venous thrombosis is not as common as a blockage of arterial blood flow.

Usually, the head pain associated with a blood clot in the brain is intense and develops abruptly.

Its often described as the worst headache of my life.

The neurological symptoms correspond toischemia (lack of blood supply) in the brain.

Arteries supply the brain with oxygen and nutrient-rich blood.

When the blood supply is interrupted, ischemia results in brain cell death.

Without timely diagnosis and treatment, brain damage and swelling may continue to worsen over the course of hours.

What Caused a Brain Clot to Form?

Hospitalization may also be followed by inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation.

You may also need an evaluation to identify the risk factors that could have led to your blood clot.

Treatment for those risk factors will be initiated.

You may need periodic medical surveillance to monitor the effects of your treatment.

Many people recover with minimal effects, but sometimes blood clots in the brain can be fatal.

This can include exercises to build strength, balance, and speaking and swallowing abilities.

You might also need to relearn or adjust to self-care skills.

you’re free to work with your therapy team to assess your abilities and follow your improvement.

As you become more independent, you will be able to go home.

Adapting to Lifestyle Changes

Many people can experience significant recovery after a blood clot in the brain.

You might be able to go back to the activities you enjoyed before your blood clot.

However, you might have to make some adjustments if you still have some level of disability.

Adjustments that you may need to make could include the following:

You may need periodic reevaluations.

You should expect to experience some changes with time, so you will require adjustments in your lifestyle routines.

Summary

Blood clots in the brain can occur in a vein or an artery.

There are many risk factors for these types of blood clots.

Any blood clot in the brain is a medical emergency that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Interventions can help prevent long-term effects and can secure your life.

If you experience any neurological symptoms or sudden head pain, seek medical attention right away.

2022;53(8):2538-2548. doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.038155