Can Blood Clots in the Brain be Cured?

How Are Brain Blood Clots Treated?

Blood clots in the brain are also called cerebral embolism or cerebral thrombosis. Blood clots occur when blood vessels stop the blood supply to the brain, resulting in improper flow of blood and creating clots. This blockage can cause a stroke, and brain cells may die, which leads to loss of brain function or permanent damage.

Well, don't be worried about it because blood clots in the brain are curable. Doctors generally prescribe treatment options, including surgery, medication or rehabilitation, based on the clot location and size.   

Classification of Blood Clots in the Brain

Here are two types of blood clots,

1. Embolus: This type of blood clot in the brain is known as an embolus and can move throughout the bloodstream. Embolism has a dangerous effect as types of clots can move or spread to any other body parts from the brain.  

2. Thrombus: This condition is known as thrombosis in medical terminology. A thrombus is a clot that stays put, and it can interfere with brain functions by obstructing the flow of blood.

Symptoms of Blood Clots in the Brain

It is important to identify symptoms of blood clots and seek medical intervention immediately. Common symptoms and signs are:

• Sudden, intolerable headache.
• Dizziness.
• Blurred vision.
• Difficulties in speaking or speech understanding.
• Sudden loss of coordination or balance leads to walking issues.
• Weakness in legs, arms, and face.
• Changes in behaviour and increased agitation.  

Treatment to Cure Blood Clots in the Brain

Treatment depends on the cause, size, and location of the clot.

Medication

• Blood thinning is a good option to treat clots in the brain. Doctors prescribe anticoagulant medicines as blood thinners to prevent new clots from developing and prevent existing ones from growing.  
• Clot-busting drugs such as thrombolytics help to restore blood flow and dissolve existing clots within a few hours of taking them.  

Lifestyle Changes

• Ensure proper diet and regular physical activities like walking, swimming and yoga to manage diabetes, high blood pressure and weight.
• Quitting regular smoking can effectively prevent clot formation.

Surgery  

• Thrombectomy surgery removes clots from blood vessels with a device. A small and thin tube is inserted into blood vessels to vacuum or break clots in blood vessels.
• Carotid Endarterectomy is a surgical process of removing blood clots. It prevents plaque from forming in the carotid arteries to prevent future clots.

Rehabilitation is the last option for treating patients with brain damage due to clots. It involves occupational therapy, physical exercises, and speech therapy to regain brain and body functions and improve life quality.

Reasons for Blood Clots

Key factors that can cause blood clot formation are listed below.

1. High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure leads to inner wall damage of blood vessels and increases the risk of developing clots.  

2. Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a condition of developed fatty plaque on the arterial walls. This situation may cause a narrow shape of arteries and affect blood flow, which can form clots.  

3. Heart Issues: Certain heart issues, including irregular heartbeat, can form blood clots and move to the brain.

4. Diabetes: Diabetes patients are more likely to recognise clot symptoms because diabetes damages blood vessels.

5. Smoking: Excessive smoking leads to a high risk of clots in the brain.

6. Obesity: Gaining excessive weight can increase the risk of poor health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which directly link to blood clot formation.

7. Sedentary Lifestyle: A Sedentary lifestyle lacks regular physical activities like exercising, walking, running, etc. Poor physical activity leads to slow blood flow and a higher risk of clots.

Tips to Permanently Cure Blood Clots in the Brain

Here are key tips to avoid clots in the brain:

• Resting.
• Living Health Lifestyle.
• Exercising.
• Do not take stress.
• Drinking plenty of water and liquid foods.

Blood clots in the brain are a serious health condition with life-threatening consequences like permanent brain damage, paralysis, death, etc. High pressure, smoking, heart issues, excessive weight gain, and a sedentary lifestyle are the main factors that lead to blood clot formation in the brain. Blood thinning drugs, proper diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and quitting smoking can prevent blood clots.   

Also Read:

→ What Food to Avoid for a Blood Clot

→ Will an MRI Show a Blood Clot in the Brain

→ Can You Fully Recover From a Blood Clot