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Thrombotic Stroke - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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A thrombotic stroke is a medical emergency where a blood clot is formed in the arteries of the brain. This article is a brief overview of thrombotic stroke.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Isaac Gana

Published At November 4, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 28, 2023

Introduction

A stroke is a medical emergency when the blood supply to the brain or part of the brain is interrupted and thus hampers the continuous demand for oxygen to the brain. Depending on the severity of the stroke, recovery time varies from weeks to months to years. At times, even complete recovery from a stroke mainly leaves certain lifestyle limitations. The faster the treatment, the better during a stroke. It should be noted that strokes are not generally easy to recognize. A stroke can affect the entire brain or a part of the brain.

Additionally, strokes can affect the right side and the whole left side of the brain. There are many symptoms of a stroke. The brain cells can immediately die due to a lack of oxygen supply.

What Are the Causes of a Thrombotic Stroke?

Risks and complications due to stroke occur for a variety of underlying reasons. Strokes are standard in older adults and individuals with a family history of stroke.

  • Atherosclerosis.

  • Traumatic injury to the neck.

  • Female gender.

  • A clot from another body part.

  • A lump in a brain vessel.

  • A tear in a vessel of the brain.

  • High blood pressure.

  • Over-treatment or overdose of blood thinners.

  • Severe trauma.

  • Aneurysm.

  • Cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

  • Arteriovenous malformation.

  • Fatty deposits build up in blood vessels.

  • Covid-19 infection.

  • Smoking.

  • Tobacco consumption.

  • Second-hand smoking.

  • Atrial fibrillation.

  • Diabetes mellitus.

  • Overweight or obesity.

  • Family history of stroke.

  • Certain medications and allergies.

  • Sedentary lifestyle.

  • High levels of cholesterol.

  • Excessive consumption of alcohol.

  • Stress.

  • History of a heart attack.

  • Irregular Heartbeat or heart rhythm.

  • Conditions that affect the health of blood vessels.

  • Enlarged heart.

  • Carotid artery stenosis.

  • A diet rich in saturated fat.

  • Over intake of sodium.

  • A diet rich in trans fat.

  • Migraine.

  • Drug abuse from recreational drugs.

  • Transient ischemic attacks.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Thrombotic Stroke?

Symptoms of a thrombotic stroke are generally seen all over the body. It should be noted that the clinical manifestations of a stroke vary in individuals and depend on the underlying cause of the stroke and the type of stroke the individual has been affected with. Mentioned below are some of the signs and symptoms of a thrombotic stroke:

  • Sudden weakness of the face.

  • Liability of the arm or leg.

  • Severe dizziness.

  • Balance problems.

  • Difficulty walking.

  • Confusion.

  • Head pain.

  • Muscle loss on the left side of the body.

  • The vision is blurred.

  • Seeing issues from the left side of each eye.

  • Hearing problems.

  • Sensory changes on the left side of the body.

  • Problems with depth perception.

  • Not understanding directions.

  • Memory problems.

  • Difficulty in problem-solving.

  • Not able to make decisions.

  • Problems in breathing.

  • Difficulty in chewing and swallowing.

  • Slurred way of speaking.

  • Drooping on the left side of the face.

  • Paralysis in the left side of the body.

  • Loss of consciousness.

  • Blinding pain.

  • Vertigo.

  • Generalized number Ness.

  • Stiffness of muscles.

  • Rapid involuntary eye movement.

  • Reduced sensation of touch.

  • Pins and needles.

  • Overactive reflexes.

  • Fatigue.

  • Temporary loss of vision.

How to Diagnose a Thrombotic Stroke?

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital in an episode of stroke. First, the patient's signs and symptoms should give the healthcare professional an idea that the individual has suffered a stroke. The side of the body that shows clinical manifestations should then make the healthcare provider aware of the side of the brain that has been affected. Below are some of the diagnostic tools that may aid in the correct diagnosis of a thrombotic stroke.

  • Computed tomography scan.

  • Angiogram.

  • Computerized tomography angiogram.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging scan.

  • Magnetic resonance angiography or MRA.

  • Doppler ultrasound.

  • Electrocardiogram or ECG.

  • Echocardiogram.

  • Cerebral angiography.

  • Carotid ultrasound.

  • Blood flow tests.

  • Electrical impulse tests.

  • Blood-borne biochemical markers.

What Are the Treatment Options for a Thrombotic Stroke?

There are currently many treatment modalities for a stroke, whether on the right side of the brain or the left side. According to the signs and symptoms, both invasive and non-invasive treatment options and management plans for stroke should be provided by the health care provider after a complete physical examination and taking into account the medical and drug history of the individual. Mentioned below are the available treatment options best decided by the healthcare provider keeping in mind the underlying cause of the stroke.

  • Embolectomy.

  • Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator or TPA injection.

  • Alteplase or Activase injection.

  • Tenecteplase or TNKase injection.

  • Vertebrobasilar angioplasty.

  • Physical therapy—to improve movement.

  • Occupational therapy—to help with daily tasks and self-care.

  • Carotid Endarterectomy.

  • Speech therapy—to improve swallowing and speech.

  • Psychological therapy—to provide support after the stroke.

Conclusion

A thrombotic stroke is a medical emergency that is caused because of a blood clot that is formed in the arterial supply of the brain. A thrombotic stroke is commonly seen in the geriatric group of individuals. Patients having a history of diabetes, atherosclerosis, which is an accumulation of lipids and fat in the inner lining of the blood vessels, as well as a high level of cholesterol, are more prone to developing a thrombotic stroke. A thrombotic stroke can affect small arteries as well as the large vessel arteries of the brain. Living a healthy and active lifestyle is crucial to keeping an episode of a stroke at bay. Increased physical fitness, regular exercise, a diet low in refined carbohydrates, and low-density lipoprotein lipids are essential for a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Happens When a Thrombotic Stroke Occurs?

At the time of a thrombotic stroke, a thrombus (blood clot) forms inside one of the brain's arteries. This clot blocks the flow of blood to a part of the brain. As a result, the brain cells in the particular area stop working and start dying.

2.

How Are Thrombotic and Embolic Causes of Stroke Different?

A thrombus is a clot of blood formed in a blood vessel that causes thrombosis. An embolus is a clot, fat, air bubble, etc., that moves through the blood vessels and carries a risk of getting lodged anywhere else.

3.

Is It Possible to Recover From a Thrombotic Stroke?

The recovery from a thrombotic stroke depends on its severity. If the damage caused is not very severe, the lost functions can be regained with a better outcome. If the blood flow is restored soon, like, in a few minutes to hours, the recovery time will be less.

4.

Which Are the Two Types of Thrombotic Strokes?

Thrombotic stroke can be categorized in two ways depending on the size of the area of blockage inside the brain. These categories include small vessel thrombosis (in small arteries that supply blood to the brain) and extensive vessel thrombosis (in large arteries that supply blood to the brain, like the carotid artery). 

5.

How Is Thrombosis Stroke Treated?

Once the diagnosis of a thrombotic stroke is confirmed, the patient is put on an ideal treatment for ischemic stroke, like a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or a clot-buster drug known as Alteplase.

6.

Why Does a Thrombotic Stroke Take Place in the Early Morning?

Most of the thrombotic strokes take place in the early morning, as per research. As per the scientists, the reason behind this is the level of protein in an individual's blood that slows down the breakdown of clots peaks in the early morning. 

7.

Can Thrombosis Be Cured by Walking?

It has been seen that exercise can play a vital role in improving the flow of blood and preventing blood clots. This can reduce the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, like swelling, discomfort, redness, etc.

8.

What Is the Time When Most Strokes Occur?

It is seen from the various research or studies that most strokes occur early in the morning. Precisely around 6.30 am, most strokes occur due to the level of protein in an individual's blood that slows down the breakdown of clots peaks in the early morning. 

9.

Can Dehydration Lead To Thrombotic Stroke?

Dehydration can cause fluid imbalance in the body. This fluid imbalance can lead to stroke in specific areas of the brain that do not get the required amount of blood flow. Dehydration is frequent in people who get a stroke.

10.

Where Is the Headache of Stroke Located?

In most cases, the area affected by headaches is directly related to where stroke occurs. For instance, in the case of a blocked carotid artery, a headache occurs in the forehead, while blockage in the back part of the brain causes a headache in the back side of the head.

11.

What Can Be the Best Drink Taken to Avoid Stroke?

Drinks that can be taken to avoid a stroke are green tea or black tea. Consuming three cups of green or black tea can reduce the risk of a stroke as per a study. Avoid alcohol or at least limit the amount to prevent the stroke.
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Dr. Isaac Gana
Dr. Isaac Gana

Cardiology

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