Unusual signs of blood clots can vary depending on their location and severity. It’s important to note that not all blood clots are present with symptoms, and some signs may be subtle or barely cause discomfort. However, it’s important to remember that these signs and symptoms can vary in intensity and may indicate other medical conditions. Identifying the early signs helps with timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications associated with blood clots.

Unexplained pain or swelling in limbs
Unexplained pain, tenderness, or swelling that develops in one arm or leg could be a sign of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). People also complain about a feeling of warmth or redness noticeable with this pain. Also, swelling that doesn’t resolve with rest and elevation might be due to a clot or impaired blood flow in the veins.

Skin discoloration
One of the more evident signs of a blood clot is skin discoloration with shades of pale blue or reddish tingle, particularly around the area where the clot is located. Further, if a blood clot develops in the small blood vessels of the fingers or toes, it can cause pain, numbness, and skin discoloration (cyanosis), often referred to as “white, blue, or purple fingers.”

Coughing or shortness of breath
Pulmonary embolism is a major risk factor that can occur if a blood clot in the legs or pelvis breaks free and travels to the lungs. This leads to sudden chest pain, coughing mixed with blood, and severe shortness of breath.

Chest pain or pressure
Chest pain or pressure can occur as a result of a blood clot in the arteries of the heart, a condition referred to as coronary artery thrombosis. The symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack.

Headaches and neurological symptoms
Severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty speaking are signs of blood clots in the brain. If left unchecked, it could lead to the development of a stroke.

Abdominal pain and organ dysfunction
Blood clots in the abdomen can cause severe abdominal pain, often accompanied by vomiting, and organ dysfunction. This may occur with conditions like mesenteric ischemia.

Visual changes
Blood clots in the retinal veins can lead to sudden visual instability, such as blurry vision, partial vision loss, or blind spots. These symptoms will vary depending on the intensity of the blood clot.

Sometimes, individuals may develop conditions like thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). It is a rare blood disorder characterized by clotting in small blood vessels (thromboses).  Its onset may result in low platelet count. Some symptoms of the disease may include small, flat red spots under the skin caused by blood leaking from blood vessels, extreme tiredness, fever, fast heart rate, or shortness of breath.