There are three kinds of veins in our body: Superficial veins: those that lie close to the skin; Deep veins: those that lie in groups of muscles; and Perforating veins: those that connect them. Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in one of the deep veins. Usually it occurs in the pelvis, thigh or calf, but it can also occur less commonly in arms, chest, or other locations. Although a stroke is usually not caused by deep vein thrombosis, if someone has had a stroke, he or she may be at a greater risk for developing DVT.
Quite often, there are no symptoms at all. There may be pain or tenderness in the leg, or raised skin temperature around the compromised area. The first sign may be a sudden swelling in one leg. Occasionally, some of the surface veins become more visible through the skin. DVT is most commonly detected nowadays by the use of ultrasound, which has been proven effective even on the smallest of clots. This allows the physician to measure the speed of blood flow and to see the structure of the veins, and sometimes even the clots themselves. Another method using x ray allows the physician to see the anatomy of the veins and sometimes the clots within them.
How dangerous is it? DVT itself is not life threatening, but the clots are sometimes associated with complications which can be fatal. The most common serious complication is a pulmonary embolism if the clots break off and reach the lung, which causes severe breathing difficulties. If untreated, up to one in ten people who suffer a pulmonary embolism will die as a result.
There is even risk of a second stroke. In some rare cases, a part of the clot may also stay in other organs including the brain, where it will lead to a stroke.
But let us not worry too much. Physicians can usually treat DVT with medications or minimal gentle procedures. Rarely, surgery many be required. Physicians may prescribe an anticoagulant drug called heparin, which helps to prevent the blood from clotting easily and keeps clots the patient already has from growing larger. After 5-7 days of injection of heparin, usually patients will be given an anticoagulant pill called Warfarin, for 6 months. During the time patients are receiving medication, blood tests will be performed in order to make sure that the anticoagulation level is suitable to prevent further clots, but not too high as to cause excessive bleeding.
If the physician wants to dissolve the clot, a thrombolysis is recommended, which means a direct injection of clot-dissolving medicine into the clot. Since thrombolysis presents a high risk of stroke, it will only be performed in life-threaten situations.
Can DVT be prevented? Taking drugs as aspirin is one way to cut the risk of developing a clot. Moreover, a number of physical methods might reduce the formation of DVT after stroke: graded compression stockings, pneumatic compression devices and electrical stimulation of leg muscles. In any case, keeping mobile is vital. Please consult your physical therapist in order to develop the most adequate movements to prevent DVT.
Sources:
BCC News
VascularWeb
