Understanding How Thrombosis Leads To Stroke

Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a blood vessel, obstructing the normal flow of blood. When thrombosis occurs in the brain, it can lead to a stroke, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Understanding the relationship between thrombosis and stroke can help individuals take preventive measures and seek timely medical care. Here's a closer look at how thrombosis leads to a stroke:

1. Formation of a Thrombus

Thrombosis typically occurs in arteries that have already been narrowed by atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty plaques build up on the artery walls. When these plaques rupture, they expose the underlying tissue, which triggers the aggregation of platelets. This leads to the formation of a thrombus, a blood clot that can block blood flow in the artery.

2. Obstruction of Blood Flow

If the thrombus forms in a cerebral artery, which supplies blood to the brain, it can obstruct blood flow. This blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain cells, which are essential for their survival and function. Without proper blood supply, the affected brain cells begin to die, leading to significant neurological damage.

3. Ischemic Stroke

The deprivation of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells results in ischemia, which can cause an ischemic stroke. This is the most common type of stroke and occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked, typically due to a thrombus or clot. Ischemic strokes can lead to lasting brain damage, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial for minimising long-term effects.

4. Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing thrombosis, which in turn raises the likelihood of experiencing a stroke. These include:

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Obesity

Diabetes

Smoking

Individuals with one or more of these risk factors are more susceptible to both thrombosis and stroke, making it important to manage these conditions to reduce the risk.

5. Symptoms of Thrombosis in Brain Blood Vessels

When thrombosis occurs in the brain's blood vessels, the symptoms often appear suddenly. These can include:

Acute difficulty in speaking or understanding speech

Facial deviation (uneven smile or drooping on one side of the face)

Weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body

Difficulty in maintaining balance

Vision disturbances such as loss of vision, double vision, or eyes deviated to one side

If these symptoms are observed, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately and take the patient to a stroke-ready centre. These centres are equipped to provide the necessary treatment for acute strokes. Nowadays, thrombosis in the brain causing a stroke can be effectively treated with clot-busting medications (thrombolytic drugs) and, in some cases, thrombectomy. Thrombectomy involves a minimally invasive procedure where the clot is physically removed from the blood vessel through endovascular brain surgery.

6. Naval Complications

In some cases, the thrombus can break loose from its original site and travel through the bloodstream, reaching the brain. This is known as an embolism. The embolism can then lodge in a smaller blood vessel in the brain, leading to a stroke in a different region. This highlights the need for swift intervention to prevent further damage and complications.

Thrombosis can lead to strokes by blocking blood flow in the brain, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Recognising the symptoms of thrombosis and seeking timely medical intervention is critical for effective treatment. With advancements in medical technology, thrombosis-induced strokes can now be treated more efficiently, allowing many patients to recover with proper care. Early prevention, including managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, is essential for reducing the risk of thrombosis and subsequent strokes.

Dr. Lomesh Bhirud

Guest Author Neurologist & Neuro- Interventionist Ruby Hall Clinic Pune