Thrombotic vs. Embolic Stroke: What’s the Difference?

Are you confused on the difference between a thrombotic vs. embolic stroke? Here's what you should know about the two medical emergencies.

Strokes affect 15 million people worldwide every year. It accounts for quite a number of deaths. Most of the deaths come from people who don’t receive treatment for their stroke.

Strokes come in two different types. They are thrombotic strokes or embolic strokes. You want to determine which type of stroke you are having.

Today, we will go over thrombotic vs embolic strokes, the symptoms, how to treat them, and how to reduce your risk of getting a stroke.

What is Thrombotic?

A thrombotic event is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. This can occur in arteries or veins and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

A thrombotic event is usually the result of atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries. Plaque buildup in the arteries can cause the formation of a blood clot, which can then block the flow of blood to the heart or brain.

What is Embolic?

An embolus is a clot or other debris that travels through the blood vessels and can cause a blockage. An embolic event happens when an embolus gets stuck in a blood vessel and blocks the flow of blood.

This can cause serious damage to the tissue or organ that is supplied by that blood vessel. Some emboli are small and cause only minor problems. But others, like a blood clot, can be large and cause a heart attack or stroke.

The Difference in Treatment for Thrombotic vs. Embolic Stroke

Treatment for a thrombotic stroke typically involves reducing the risk of future strokes by controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Treatment for an embolic stroke typically involves public health measures to prevent infections, such as vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus. In addition, people who have had an embolic stroke may be treated with anticoagulants to prevent future strokes.

The most important factor you must not forget to avoid both is to have proper attention to your health and wellness.

The Difference in Symptoms of Thrombotic vs. Embolic Stroke

The main difference between the two is the source of the blockage. Symptoms of a thrombotic stroke may include sudden onset of weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding others, and vision problems.

Symptoms of an embolic stroke may include sudden onset of weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding others, and loss of sensation in the affected limb. There are stroke rehab facilties that can help you identify which you may have suffered and get medical help. 

Understanding How Thrombotic Vs Embolic Stroke Differs is Crucial for Prevention

To prevent either a thrombotic or embolic stroke, it is crucial to understand the difference between the two. A thrombotic stroke is caused by a clot that forms in the arteries leading to the brain, whereas an embolic stroke is caused by a clot that breaks free and travels to the brain.  

A thrombotic stroke can be prevented by treating conditions that increase the risk of clot formation, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. An embolic stroke can be prevented by treating conditions that increase the risk of clot formation, such as atrial fibrillation. While both medical conditions are serious and can be fatal, knowing the difference between thrombotic vs embolic can help to prevent either one from occurring.

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