Cerebral Embolism: Causes, Symptoms & Risk Factors

Cerebral embolism occurs when a blood clot or other foreign material blocks an artery in the brain. This can happen in several ways:

1. Arterial thrombosis: A blood clot can form in an artery in the brain, usually as a result of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This is the most common cause of cerebral embolism.

2. Cardiogenic embolism: A blood clot can form in the heart, usually as a result of atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), and then travel to the brain.

3. Paradoxical embolism: A blood clot can form in the veins, usually in the legs, and then travel through a hole in the heart (a patent foramen ovale) to the brain.

4. Air embolism: An air bubble can enter the bloodstream, usually during surgery or medical procedures, and then travel to the brain.

5. Fat embolism: A fat droplet can enter the bloodstream, usually after a bone fracture, and then travel to the brain.

6. Tumor embolism: A piece of a tumor can break off and travel to the brain through the bloodstream.