Can a blood clot go from your lung to brain?
Yes, a blood clot can travel from your lung to your brain. This is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE occurs when a blood clot forms in a blood vessel in your lungs, breaks off, and travels to your brain.
PEs can be very dangerous and can even be fatal. Symptoms of a PE include:
* Sudden shortness of breath
* Chest pain
* Lightheadedness
* Confusion
* Seizures
* Loss of consciousness
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.
There are a number of risk factors for developing a PE, including:
* Age 60 and older
* Obesity
* Smoking
* Diabetes
* Heart disease
* Cancer
* Pregnancy
* Recent surgery
If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing a PE.