What Are The Symptoms Of Cerebral Thrombosis
Cerebral thrombosis, or the formation of a blood clot within a brain artery, can lead to a wide range of symptoms depending on the size, location of the clot, and the affected blood vessels. The severity of symptoms can also be influenced by the brain's collateral circulation. Here are the most common symptom patterns associated with different arterial involvements:
Symptoms Based On Affected Arteries
1. Ophthalmic Artery Involvement (Branch Of Internal Carotid Artery)
When the ophthalmic artery is affected, patients may experience transient monocular blindness — often described as a curtain or shade coming down over one eye. In more severe cases, this can lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye.
2. Anterior Cerebral Artery Involvement
Damage to this artery can cause motor or sensory disturbances in the opposite lower limb or foot. Some patients may also experience emotional changes such as inappropriate euphoria or difficulties in controlling bladder and bowel function.
3. Middle Cerebral Artery Involvement
This is one of the most common sites for cerebral thrombosis and is typically associated with a classic triad of symptoms known as the contralateral hemiplegia syndrome. This includes:
- Central facial and tongue paralysis on the opposite side of the body
- Sensory deficits on the contralateral side
- Homonymous hemianopia (loss of half the visual field on the same side in both eyes)
If the clot occurs in the dominant hemisphere (usually the left), the patient may develop aphasia — either expressive (Broca's aphasia) or receptive (Wernicke's aphasia). If the non-dominant hemisphere (usually the right) is affected, the individual may suffer from body image disturbances or neglect syndrome.
4. Posterior Cerebral Artery Involvement
Thrombosis in the territory of the posterior cerebral artery often results in visual disturbances such as partial vision loss or hallucinations. Patients may also report unusual sensations or numbness in specific areas of the body.
5. Vertebrobasilar Artery Involvement
When the vertebrobasilar system is affected, symptoms can be more complex and severe. These may include dizziness, altered consciousness, impaired coordination (ataxia), double vision, or paralysis of eye muscles. In extreme cases, spinal cord involvement can lead to paralysis below the level of the lesion, such as paraplegia.
Why Early Recognition Matters
Recognizing the signs of cerebral thrombosis early is crucial for timely treatment and better outcomes. Symptoms often appear suddenly and require immediate medical attention. If you or someone around you exhibits any of these signs, it's important to seek emergency care right away.