Why does blood clot in brain? - #12017
I am really worried about some stuff that’s been going on with my dad. He’s 70 and just recently started complaining about these really bad headaches. At first, I thought it was just tension or maybe like high blood pressure acting up, but then he started getting a bit confused, like forgetting where he puts things or even what he was doing. It’s crazy! One night, he had this weird spell where he couldn’t talk properly, like his speech was all slurred and he was super unsteady on his feet. We rushed him to the ER, and they did a CT scan. Turns out, they found blood clot in brain, which totally freaked us out!! The doctors mentioned that blood can clot in the brain for a bunch of reasons, but I’m still not clear on exactly why does blood clot in brain in older folks, or even how it could just pop up seemingly outta nowhere. Does it have anything to do with diet or if he has heart issues? I mean he’s been on blood thinners for a few years now because of previous heart problems, but how does that all tie back to the blood clot in brain? Any insight would really help because we’re kinda lost here and just trying to make sense of it all. Thanks!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Blood clots in the brain often result from a condition known as a stroke, and in older adults like your dad, they can indeed have various causes, often interconnected with lifestyle, underlying health conditions, or even medications. Since your dad is on blood thinners due to previous heart problems, this adds another layer to the situation. Even though blood thinners are designed to prevent clots, they don’t completely eliminate the risk, especially if there are changes in medication dosage, diet, or if other risk factors are present. Clots in the brain can form due to atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), which can lead to clots breaking off and traveling through the bloodstream to the brain. High blood pressure and atherosclerosis - where the arteries harden or narrow - are also common contributors in older adults. Consider the role of diet and general lifestyle; a diet high in cholesterol and unhealthy fats can further complicate arterial health, potentially contributing to clot formation. It’s critical your dad keeps close tabs on his blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and follows dietary advice tailored to his heart condition. Looking at his medical management, regular check-ups with his healthcare provider to monitor his heart rhythm and adjust his medications if necessary is essential. Immediate intervention in such cases is crucial, especially with the signs your dad experienced, like confusion and speech difficulties, which are hallmark symptoms of a stroke. Staying in direct communication with his doctors to understand the exact cause and adapt his treatment plan is the best course of action. They might suggest tweaking his current medications, or running more tests to monitor his heart and vascular health, ensuring his risk factors are managed as effectively as possible.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.