What is the typical symptom of an embolus?

An embolus is a substance that travels through the bloodstream and can obstruct blood vessels, leading to sudden and acute symptoms. The typical symptom associated with an embolus is sudden pain and blockage associated with the affected area. This occurs because when the embolus lodges itself in a vessel, it prevents blood from flowing past that point, resulting in immediate ischemia (lack of blood flow) to the tissues supplied by that vessel. This can manifest as sudden onset pain, and the blockage can also lead to more severe consequences depending on the location of the embolus.

Localized swelling, chronic fatigue, and skin discoloration may suggest other conditions but are not specific to an embolus. These symptoms could arise from various issues such as inflammation or chronic illnesses, but they lack the immediacy and direct association with the acute interruption of blood flow that characterizes an embolic event.