Doctors Warn: 5 Warning Signs of Fatty Plaque Blocking Brain Arteries Left Untreated, Risk of Paralysis and Stroke Increases

Waking up dizzy or suffering from persistent pain at the back of the head should not be taken lightly. These symptoms may not simply be due to lack of sleep, but could indicate fatty plaque gradually blocking the brain’s blood vessels, reducing oxygen supply to the brain. Experts advise lifestyle adjustments to restore mental clarity and share key tips on controlling LDL cholesterol especially important for those aged 40 and above.

On January 26, Dr. Jesada Boonyawongviroj, Deputy Director of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital and owner of the popular health page “Mor Jed,” posted a warning that many people believe arterial blockage affects only the heart. In reality, fatty deposits can also block arteries supplying the brain often silently, without clear symptoms until patients suddenly suffer paralysis or a stroke without warning.

“These warning signs are the body’s way of telling us that blood circulation to the brain is starting to fail,” Dr. Jesada noted.

5 Warning Signs of Fatty Plaque in Brain Arteries

1. Frequent dizziness or vertigo without a clear cause
Not related to low blood pressure or sudden posture changes, but recurring dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion especially upon waking or changing positions. This may result from narrowed brain arteries due to plaque, causing temporary oxygen shortages. Many people dismiss this as simple fatigue or lack of rest.

2. Persistent dull headaches unlike typical headaches
A heavy, pressure-like headache affecting the whole head or the back of the head, often worse in the evening or at night. This is not a sharp migraine-type pain, but a chronic discomfort caused by impaired cerebral blood flow and stiffened arteries. It commonly occurs alongside high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

3. Temporary blurred vision, double vision, or visual distortion
Sudden episodes of unclear vision, double images, or brief shadowing that resolves on its own may indicate reduced blood flow to the brain’s visual centers. This condition, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA or “mini-stroke”), is a critical warning sign that should not be ignored, as it may precede a full stroke.

4. Intermittent numbness or weakness on one side of the body
Numbness in the face, hands, feet, or limbs on one side, difficulty gripping objects, or slight imbalance that resolves within minutes or hours. These are classic signs of temporary cerebral ischemia caused by arterial narrowing from fatty plaque and an early warning of stroke.

5. Declining memory, reduced concentration, and abnormal mental fatigue
If memory lapses, poor focus, and mental exhaustion occur despite not being elderly, the cause may be chronically reduced blood flow to the brain. Insufficient oxygen and nutrients impair brain cell function, a condition commonly seen in people with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and long-standing arterial narrowing.

How to Reduce the Risk of Fatty Plaque Reaching the Brain

- Strictly control LDL cholesterol and triglycerides not just body weight

- Reduce refined carbohydrates, sugar, fried foods, and processed foods

- Increase healthy fats such as omega-3s, fish, olive oil, avocados, and nuts

- Walk after every meal to promote blood circulation

- Stay well hydrated to reduce blood viscosity

- Get adequate sleep and manage stress

- Undergo regular cardiovascular and vascular health screenings, especially after age 40

Dr. Jesada emphasized that arterial plaque does not stop at the heart it can silently spread to the brain. Warning symptoms often come and go, leading many to overlook them. In reality, these are early signals before a stroke occurs. With early awareness, timely lifestyle changes, and regular health checks, the risk of paralysis, stroke, and vascular-related cognitive decline can be significantly reduced.

“Brain health does not collapse overnight,” he concluded. “It deteriorates from small accumulations of fat that we have ignored for years.”

 

Source: Department of Health