An arterial embolism is when a blood clot in the heart travels and becomes stuck in an artery or an arteriole downstream from where the clot originated in the heart. The symptoms of an arterial embolism when occurring in the extremity, include pain, numbness, coldness, oversensitivity to pain, tingling, muscle spasm or decreased sensitivity to pain. If it occurs in the brain, there are symptoms of sudden weakness in the right or left side of the body and loss of speech. Fortunately, there are ways to manage arterial embolism.
Instructions
1. Promptly go to the hospital if you observe any of the symptoms of arterial embolism. The symptoms of an arterial embolism when occurring in the extremity, include pain, numbness, coldness, oversensitivity to pain, tingling, muscle spasm or decreased sensitivity to pain. If it occurs in the brain, there are symptoms of sudden weakness in the right or left side of the body and loss of speech. The goals of the treatment and management in the hospital are to control symptoms and to improve the interrupted blood flow to any of the affected areas of the body.
2. Ask your physician about medication used to dissolve the blood clot. This medication is usually given through a catheter directly into the artery that's affected. Furthermore, medication that helps thin the blood will also reduce the risk of another embolism. Medications that improve blood flow include streptokinase. Medications that prevent the formation of new clots include warfarin, heparin or antiplatelet medications like aspirin, ticlopidine, and clopidogrel.
3. Undergo surgery to remove the embolism (blood clot). The surgery is usually performed by making an incision in the artery above the blockage and using a catheter inserted past the embolus only to drag it out through the incision. Usually heparin, a blood thinner, is given while you are awaiting surgery. This is standard procedure so do not be alarmed. Surgery is performed if the extent and the location of the blockage is extremely severe.
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