# What Are The Symptoms Of Blood Clots?

> Last updated: 2025-11-14

Developing blood clots is a serious health issue that can put you at risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack, among many other health complications. There are numerous reasons why you could develop clots, including traumatic accidents. Take a closer look at the common symptoms and causes of blood clots in Pennsylvania.

## Understanding Blood Clots

[Blood clots](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/17675-blood-clots) are semi-solid masses that form when blood proteins, platelets, and cells stick together. Blood clots are necessary to stop the bleeding that occurs after you injure a blood vessel. While they are a crucial step in the healing process and typically don’t cause complications, blood clots can become dangerous if they form abnormally.

An abnormal blood clot can develop in a blood vessel even if there was no injury. It can stop the flow of blood or could break free and travel to other locations in the body.

## Symptoms of Blood Clots

The symptoms you experience if you have a blood clot will depend greatly on where it has formed.

If you sustain an injury in a [car accident](/lebanon-car-accident-lawyer/) to an arm or a leg, for instance, and a blood clot forms, you can experience:

- Gradual or sudden pain or tenderness in the limb
- Warmth in the affected area
- Swelling
- A sensation like you pulled a muscle
- Skin discoloration

Because blood clots can become life-threatening quickly, seeking prompt medical attention is essential.

## What Is a Pulmonary Embolism?

It can be incredibly dangerous if a clot breaks away and travels to the lungs, causing a [pulmonary embolism](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17400-pulmonary-embolism).

The symptoms of this medical emergency include:

- Sudden shortness of breath
- Unexplained cough
- Bloody mucus
- Rapid heart rate
- Chest pain that worsens when breathing

If you develop a blood clot in the heart, you can suffer chest pain, nausea, and sweating, as well as pain in the arms, chest, or back.

## What Happens if a Blood Clot travels to the Brain?

It’s also possible to suffer a blood clot in the brain. These clots can prompt symptoms such as:

- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Sudden headaches
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Vision issues
- Problems speaking or understanding words
- Seizures

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential that you receive medical care as soon as possible. Blood clots are typically considered medical emergencies.

## What Causes Blood Clots?

Blood clots can occur from both physical trauma and medical conditions. For example, if you are in a [motorcycle accident](/lebanon-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/) in which you suffer a serious blow to your leg, you can damage the lining of your blood vessels. This can trigger the formation of a blood clot. If your system is overwhelmed by the injuries, abnormal clotting can occur.

On the other hand, there are medical conditions that increase your chances of suffering a blood clot. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which a buildup of plaque in the arteries can damage blood vessel walls, creating a place for clots to form. Some cancers can also increase your risk of developing others.

## Contact the Lebanon Personal Injury Attorneys at Marzzacco Injury Law for Help Today

If you have suffered a blood clot in an accident in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to file a claim against the responsible parties. To do so, you must establish that the other party owed you a [duty of care that they breached](/resources/breach-of-duty/).

This is where Marzzacco Injury Law can help. Our Lebanon [personal injury lawyers](/lebanon-personal-injury-lawyer/) fight to get the maximum compensation for injury victims. Contact us today for a free consultation.

If you’ve been injured or need a lawyer to help you with your case, please contact [Marzzacco Injury Law](/about-our-firm/) at the nearest location to [schedule a free consultation](/contact-us/) today.