Women who have suffered critical side effects such as DVT, pulmonary embolism or stroke linked to the use of Yaz birth control, have looked into filing a Yaz blood clot lawsuit. The vertebral, cerebral, basilar and carotid arteries supply the brain with oxygen-rich blood. If any of these arteries become plugged blood cannot be efficiently delivered to your brain. This blockage, and subsequent lack of blood flow is what could trigger a stroke. Within three to four minutes the brain tissue that is fed by the blocked artery will die. The result of a stroke can be extremely detrimental because dead brain cells can not be replaced or regenerate, therefore causing the side effects to be irreversible. There are two forms of stroke ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke (also called a cerebral embolism) is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel, as described above. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused when a blood vessel ruptures and blood surrounds the brain, thereby creating a lack of blood flow into the brain. Both have serious side effects and consequences. Yaz strokes typically result from blood clots. Blood clots generally contribute to cerebral embolism, there is a way the condition is diagnosed and treated.

Plaque, Blood Clots, And Stroke
Ischemic stroke happens when there is a blockage that forms within the carotid arteries. The block could be caused by plaque build up, blood clots or possibly both. Over time plaque will accumulate along the arterial walls, a condition called carotid artery disease (CAD). This is a normal thing that happens with age. It is estimated that 10% of adults of 80 years of age suffer some level of CAD. If the condition is severe it could lead to a stroke. Blood clots can lead to ischemic stroke in two ways. First they can build when the accumulation of plaque in the carotid artery causes the artery to rupture. The rupture triggers your blood's clotting mechanism, which constricts the flow of blood through the artery.

Second, clots can form in another area of the body, typically they travel from deep veins in the leg, and flow into the carotid artery. A clot can occur in the legs and when the deep vein contracts it could dislodge the clot. The clot then travels in the bloodstream to the carotid artery, blocking it and the flow of blood to the brain tissue. This is how a Yaz stroke occurs.

Diagnosing The Root Cause Of Stroke
There are many test physicians can do to determine the root cause of a stroke. This is critical in determining a treatment strategy that prevents recurrence.

Electrocardiography will help your doctor identify and rule out arrhythmias or heart valve disorders as the reason. Doctors will also use a Doppler ultrasound, CT scan and MRI can be ordered to determine which carotid artery has developed a blockage. Blood tests can also be used to exclude anemia, vasculitis and other related conditions as contributing factors.

Anticoagulants, Medications, And Surgery
Following any stroke aspirin is typically given to prevent your blood from further clotting. If clotting persists antiplatelets and anticoagulants can be prescribed by your physician.  Antiplatelet medications prevent platelets within your blood from forming clots. Anticoagulants block the proteins within your blood that cause clotting.

However, if the antiplatelets and anticoagulants are ineffective, a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is given and is employed to break apart the clots. But due to the fact that tPAs increase a risk of bleeding in the brain doctors will avoiding using them in certain circumstances (e.g. severe stroke, recent surgery, head injury, etc.).

If a portion of the brain tissue furnished by the clogged artery survives the stroke, and your life expectancy exceeds five years, a surgeon may perform carotid endarterectomy. Though very risky, this procedure is used to surgically remove a blood clot from the carotid artery. It is dangerous because it can loosen other clots, and potentially trigger another stroke.

Yaz birth control pills are known to increase the risk of irregular clotting.  If you have used this oral contraceptive and suffered blood clots, DVT or even a stroke contact a Yaz lawsuit attorney. You may be able to file a claim against the producer.