In this article, we will discuss the Differentiation between Thrombotic and Embolic Strokes. So, let’s get started.
Feature: Prodromal symptoms
- Thrombotic stroke: Often present
- Embolic stroke: Absent
Feature: Onset of stroke
- Thrombotic stroke: Slow onset, stuttering or intermittent progression or may be sudden
- Embolic stroke: Acute catastrophic
Feature: Neurological deficit
- Thrombotic stroke: Slowly evolves, step-ladder fashion called stroke-in-evolution, symptoms and signs may appear intermittently
- Embolic stroke: Deficit is maximum at the onset
Feature: Consciousness
- Thrombotic stroke: Confusion, disorientation may be present. Coma may supervene
- Embolic stroke: Consciousness is usually preserved
Feature: Convulsion
- Thrombotic stroke: Common, occur during the course or at the onset
- Embolic stroke: Uncommon
Feature: Cause
- Thrombotic stroke: Underlying atherosclerosis of a large vessel with or without thrombosis
- Embolic stroke: Cardiac source or artery to artery embolisation
Feature: Recovery
- Thrombotic stroke: Incomplete recovery may occur with residual symptoms and signs
- Embolic stroke: Recovery is complete. Residual symptoms and signs are rare.