Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism

Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism

Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism is considered to be a condition which develops when a clot of blood builds up in one of the main arteries of the body (usually one of the arteries that are supposed to supply the brain). The clot blocks the artery and stops it from functioning. In this type of cerebral disease the main effect is the cutting off of nutrition and blood flow from some areas of the brain. The formation of the blood clot in the cerebral vessel generally develops only if one or more of the patient’s arteries have been severely damaged. In most cases, similar damages are caused by a medical condition that affects a wide variety of patients. In patients who suffer from this medical issue, their vessels can become degenerated, hardened or, even damaged. This is one of the main reasons that cause Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism in the case of elderly patients. People who have problems with the high pressure of the blood and the hardening of the arteries are also more prone to developing this medical condition. This cerebral disease usually takes place during the night or in the early morning hours when the patient’s blood pressure is decreased. This condition is also usually preceded by one or smaller strokes, called mini strokes that herald the condition. Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism is also considered an important but rare cause of brain damage. The disease can be characterized by headaches and paralysis of any part of the patient’s body. The disease is more effectively recognized nowadays due to the availability of better diagnostic radiological procedures.

Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism depend on how large the vessel and the clot are. There are cases in which one of the main arteries which supply the brain is blocked and, after this, the affected patient can lose his consciousness and be paralyzed on one side of his body. Another important sign of this disorder appears when the onset will be less sudden. It is known to include some warning signs and a short period of time (lasting up to several hours). The patient will experience symptoms such as faint, dizziness and a potential headache. But, this type of disease also tends to develop when a patient is resting or sleeping (as mentioned earlier). If the condition is diagnosed as a very small one (if it takes place in one of the smaller arteries), symptoms can be relatively mild and can not be noticed at all by the affected patient. The prognosis for recovery from small Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism is very hopeful and full functioning can be restored within a matter of days. There are also some common symptoms for this type of disease which can include pain, numbness, rapid heart beat, chest pain, vomiting and severe nausea, tingling, and loss of vision, especially in only one eye, coldness, seizure, mottled or pale skin and altered mental state. In more severe cases, when a larger artery of the brain is affected, the patient’s recovery can last longer. In some unfortunate cases, he or she can remain affected by some degree of mental impairment.

Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism Treatment

If you present any of the symptoms listed above you should consider checking with your health care provider. If he or she thinks it is necessary, you will be sent to other specialists for more exact consultations. This is why, if the person suffers from an infectious illness, for example sinusitis or meningitis, it is better for him to seek the advice of a physician that has specialized in infectious diseases. In the case of a sinusitis, the individual may also visit an otolaryngologist. Some patients may present brain abscess, may have a very serious deterioration (although they received intense medical attention) or even subdural emphysema. In such cases, we strongly advise them to see a neurosurgeon. It is very important for the patient’s future that Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism is treated and discovered on time. This is why, putting the right diagnosis and proceeding with the adequate treatment at the right time may be vital for that person. So, after the diagnosis of Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism is established, doctors can immediately apply the treatment. The underlying cause of the increased pressure in the right atrium must be treated in order to restore the normal levels of hemodynamic homeostasis. If the clot does not cause emergency symptoms, then the Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism can be treated with some medicines that have the power to dissolve the clot (anticoagulants). Such medicines are usually prescribed in order to prevent the clot to extend to bigger areas of the cerebral system. This method of treating the disorder is still a matter of debate because there is a possibility for the patient to experience an increased hemorrhage. A tendency toward better outcome has been observed in patients who receive treatment with anticoagulants than in those who do not. Some studies showed that even patients who suffer from cerebral hemorrhage have benefits after these drugs. Managing patients suffering from this disorder is similar as managing patients who had arterial stroke, because the main aim is to stabilize the health state of the individual. Some patients may have an altered mental status so that should not receive therapy by mouth. seizures are treated properly with anticonvulsants (for example, lorazem, diazepam, and fosphenytoin - given to persons who need parentral formulation, and sodium valproate that are administrated as an injection to those patients who do not tolerate phenytoin). These anticonvulsants should not be given for a prolonged period of time because of the recurrent seizures. Sometimes, besides the therapy with different drugs, doctors prefer the surgical method. This is a viable option in the case of patients who suffer from the severe form of this disorder. Local thrombolytic therapy or open thrombectomy are considered the most efficient. Many of the patients who underwent such therapies have returned to their normal lives thanks to the obvious and rapid progress. In the management of Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism heparin is considered extremely important. During the therapy this may be converted to warfarin. For other type of patients, specialists recommend the use of Lovenox that represents subcutaneous heparin with a low molecular weight.