Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

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Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
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Synonyms Cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis, CVST
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Headache, seizures, focal neurological deficits, altered mental status
Complications Intracerebral hemorrhage, venous infarction
Onset Can occur at any age
Duration Varies
Types N/A
Causes Thrombosis of the dural venous sinuses
Risks Pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, coagulation disorders, dehydration, infection
Diagnosis MRI, MRV, CT
Differential diagnosis Ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, meningitis
Prevention N/A
Treatment Anticoagulation, thrombolysis, surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable; depends on severity and treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a type of stroke that results from a blood clot in the dural venous sinuses, which drain blood from the brain. Symptoms may include headache, abnormal vision, any of the symptoms of stroke such as weakness of the face and limbs on one side of the body, and seizures.

Causes[edit]

The most common causes of CVST are conditions that cause the blood to clot more easily than normal, such as antiphospholipid syndrome, pregnancy, Factor V Leiden, and the use of birth control pills. Other risk factors include head injury, infection, and dehydration.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis is usually by medical imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI of the brain, often followed by a venogram of the veins. A lumbar puncture may also be performed.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment is with anticoagulants (medications that prevent further clots from forming), and occasionally thrombolysis (medications that dissolve clots). In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the clot.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis of CVST is generally good, with most people recovering completely. However, some may have long-term neurological problems.

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See also[edit]

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