Thrombotic vs. Embolic Stroke: Understanding the Differences
Introduction to Ischemic Strokes
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell damage. Strokes can be classified into two main types: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes, accounting for 87% of all strokes , happen due to blocked blood flow to the brain and can be further categorized into thrombotic and embolic strokes.
Understanding the differences between thrombotic and embolic strokes is essential for proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Given that strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the USA , this knowledge is crucial. Read on to learn more about ischemic strokes, their distinctions, and how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can aid in recovery.
Thrombotic Stroke
What is a Thrombotic Stroke?
A thrombotic stroke occurs when a blood clot, known as a thrombus, forms in one of the brain's blood vessels, blocking blood flow and depriving parts of the brain of oxygen. This type of ischemic stroke is often linked to health conditions that cause the buildup of fatty deposits, which narrow and harden blood vessels, making it easier for clots to form.
Thrombotic Stroke Risk Factors
Hypertension
High Cholesterol
Smoking
Age
Thrombotic Stroke Symptoms
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, or leg.
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, including trouble forming words, slurred speech, or confusion.
Vision problems, such as trouble seeing with one or both eyes, blurred vision, or double vision.
Severe headache with a sudden onset.
Difficulty walking, including loss of balance and stumbling.
Embolic Stroke
What is an Embolic Stroke?
An embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot, known as an embolus, travels through the bloodstream. This clot forms elsewhere in the body but moves until it becomes lodged in a blood vessel in the brain, blocking blood flow and stopping oxygen from reaching brain tissue.
Embolic Stroke Risk Factors
Atrial fibrillation
Heart valve disease
Embolic Stroke Symptoms
Sudden confusion and disorientation, with difficulty understanding surroundings or situations.
Trouble speaking or understanding speech, including difficulty forming words or sentences, slurred speech, or struggling to comprehend spoken language.
Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, or leg.
Difficulty walking, including unsteadiness, loss of balance, stumbling, or weakness in the legs.
Differences Between Thrombotic and Embolic Strokes
Thrombotic strokes occur when blood clots form within brain arteries due to conditions like atherosclerosis. In contrast, embolic strokes result from blood clots formed elsewhere in the body, often in the heart, that travel to the brain. Both types of strokes block oxygen from reaching brain tissue and share similar symptoms, including sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and trouble walking.
Treatment for Thrombotic and Embolic Strokes
Treatment for ischemic strokes involves immediate action to restore blood flow and long-term management to prevent future strokes. Clot-busting medications can dissolve clots if administered promptly, emphasizing the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention.
In some cases, doctors may use a stent retriever to remove the blood clot. Following these procedures, patients typically receive medication to prevent existing clots from enlarging and new ones from forming. Long-term treatment may include rehabilitation therapy to recover lost functions, medications to control risk factors like high blood pressure, and lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet and regular exercise.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Stroke Patients
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be a valuable part of a long-term treatment plan for stroke patients. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases oxygen levels in the blood and tissues, improving blood flow to damaged brain areas. Additionally, HBOT reduces inflammation, a significant factor in tissue damage post-stroke.
Experience the Healing Power of Oxygen
At Clarity Hyperbarics, our team has supported many patients on their healing journeys at our Hyperbaric center in Des Moines, Iowa. Our caring and knowledgeable hyperbaric specialists collaborate to determine the best treatment regimen for each patient's unique circumstances.
Discover how HBOT can aid in stroke recovery and improve quality of life. Contact us to learn more and begin your healing journey with the power of oxygen.
Our Team of Doctors At Clarity Hyperbarics