Lung to Brain Blood Clot: Understanding Pulmonary Embolisms

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.