Hailey Bieber was hospitalized last week after undergoing a medical emergency. She revealed on social media that there had been very small blood clots in the brain. Hailey added that the clot caused a lack of oxygen to the brain, but healed completely within a few hours.
What is a blood clot?
A blood clot is a clot of blood that has passed from a liquid state to a somewhat more solid or semi-solid form.
A blood clot will generally not hurt you, but there is a chance it can move and become dangerous. If a clot breaks and circulates through the veins in the heart and lungs, it can stagnate and prevent blood flow. This constitutes a medical emergency.
Symptoms of blood clots in the brain
A blood clot in the brain is also known as a stroke. These clots can develop anywhere on the body, or directly in the brain. In the latter case, the blood can not bring oxygen to the brain (hypoxia). Tissues can not survive without a constant supply of oxygen and hypoxia can cause severe symptoms and even death.
Symptoms:
- paralysis
- numbness or weakness in the arm, face and legs, especially on one side of the body
- difficulty speaking or understanding others
- slurred speech
- confusion, disorientation or lack of reaction
- sudden behavioral changes
- problems with vision, such as vision problems in one or both eyes, blurred vision
- gait problems
- loss of balance or coordination
- dizziness
- severe headache
- vomiting or nausea
What causes a blood clot? Depends on the type of coagulation. When blood clots develop in an artery, they are usually caused by pieces of plaque - made up of fatty or mineral deposits - that break off and block blood flow. Clots that form in veins have a variety of causes, such as:
- a disease or injury in the area where the clot forms
- immobility or lack of movement
- bone fracture
- inherited or genetic disorders that affect blood clotting
- obesity
- autoimmune diseases
- certain medications, such as contraceptives or hormone therapy
