Cerebral venous thrombosis

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare form of stroke that results from a blood clot in the dural venous sinuses, which drain blood from the brain. The condition can lead to severe headache, abnormal vision, and other neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and seizures. CVT is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Causes

The primary cause of CVT is a blood clot in the brain's venous sinuses. This can occur due to several factors, including dehydration, pregnancy, birth control pills, infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain genetic disorders that affect blood clotting.

Symptoms

The symptoms of CVT can vary depending on the location and extent of the clot. Common symptoms include headache, blurred vision, fainting, and seizures. In severe cases, patients may experience neurological deficits such as weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, and loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of CVT often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV) are commonly used to visualize the blood vessels in the brain and detect any clots.

Treatment

Treatment for CVT aims to dissolve the blood clot, prevent further clots from forming, and manage any symptoms. This typically involves anticoagulant medications, and in some cases, thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the clot. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the clot.

Prognosis

The prognosis for CVT varies depending on the size and location of the clot, the patient's overall health, and how quickly treatment is initiated. With prompt and appropriate treatment, many patients can recover fully. However, some may experience long-term neurological deficits or recurrent clots.

See also

• Stroke
• Venous thrombosis
• Blood clot
• Dural venous sinuses

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