Blood Clot in the Brain

Blood clot in the brain is described as Ischaemic stroke, in medical terms. There are various reasons which can cause a blood clot in the brain. For example, in case of the former President of United States of America, Mr. Ronald Reagan, the blood clot in the brain was formed due to horseback accident, with which he met. Some new research claim that a gene can cause a blood clot in the brain, especially in young and middle aged women.

What is Blood Clot in the Brain?
A blood clot is formed in the brain, due to bleeding that takes place in the area between the skull and brain. This blood forms a clot, which eventually puts pressure on brain tissue. Functioning of the brain is affected due to pressure that is exerted on the brain. The chances of blood clotting in the arteries are very high, at the same time, chances of finding a blood clot in the veins are very low. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the other parts of the body, and the veins pump blood to the heart. Refer to signs of a stroke.

Causes of Blood Clot in the Brain
Head injury often is the most common cause of blood clot in the brain. Trauma is caused to the brain or the neck in case of a head injury. Blood clots have a tendency to break away from the area, where it was formed and move to different areas. The clot when it moves to another part of the body, blocks blood supply and causes a stroke. Therefore, a clot formed in the neck can move to the brain and cause a stroke. The other cause of blood clot formation in the brain is bleeding problems. To obtain more information, refer to signs and symptoms of stroke.

Blood Clot in Brain Symptoms
The symptoms of a blood clot in the brain are as follows:

• Seizures: Very often, blood clots in the brain cause seizures. These seizures last for up to 2 minutes. However, if they last longer, it a cause for worry.
• Headache: A majority of the people who sought medical help complained about headaches. Most of these headaches are found in just one side of the brain. The headache worsens, when there is any physical activity or head movement. Even coughing or sneezing can worsen the headache.
• Confusion and Slow Thinking: A person who has a blood clot in the brain, often takes too long to think. His understanding capacity therefore, is not very good. They take longer to understand, what is being told to them. Such a person often often feels confused as well.
• Speaking Difficulties: A person who has a blood clot in the brain, tends to slur. He will have difficulties in speaking. There are speech problems if the left side of the brain is affected.
• Paralysis: A blood clot in brain can result in a person being paralyzed on one side of the body. The body parts which are usually affected are the face, arm or leg.
• Blindness: Blindness can result due to blood clot in brain.
• Loss of Coordination: There are chances that a person, who has a clot in the brain can face loss of coordination. At times, the person is not able to transfer an object from their left hand to the right hand, or vice versa.
• Depression: When a person is depressed, often he is given psychiatric or psychological treatment. However, it is advisable to get the person checked for blood clots in the brain.

Blood Clot in Brain Treatment
The treatment given for blood clot in brain depends on the cause of the blood clot. Physicians prescribe aspirin, in their bid to dissolve the blood clot. There are some steroids, which are also prescribed to cure a blood clot in the brain. Blood clot busters are used to treat the blood clot as well. There are also surgeries, which are performed to remove the blood clot. For further reading, you can refer to: early warning signs and symptoms of a stroke.

For more information, read

• Stroke prevention
• All about strokes

A blood clot in brain can eventually give rise to a brain tumor, therefore, it is important to get the right treatment at the right time for this condition. At the same time it is important, you do not become a doctor yourself. Do not hesitate to seek professional medical help even if the symptoms of blood clots occur for a very short period of time.