Language
Country/Area
No result found
Sudden severe headache? It may be caused by blood clots in the brain! Come and find out!
Have you ever experienced a sudden, severe headache? This can be a warning sign of a serious condition, especially if this type of headache occurs along with other neurological symptoms. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but potentially fatal disease that can lead to abnormal cerebral blood flow and affect brain function. This article will take an in-depth look at this condition, including its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention measures.
Symptoms and Signs
According to studies, 90% of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis experience headaches. This headache may gradually worsen or occur suddenly over a short period of time (a "thunderclap headache"). Sometimes, this headache may be the only symptom.
Many patients also experience symptoms of a stroke, such as immobility or weakness in the face or limbs, and even difficulty speaking. These neurological deficits do not necessarily affect only one side of the body.
In older people, these typical symptoms may not be obvious and may appear as changes in mental status or depression. In some cases, increased intracranial pressure can cause papilledema, which may manifest itself in ways such as blurred vision. Once intracranial pressure is extremely high, the patient's level of consciousness may decrease, and may be accompanied by high blood pressure and a slow heart rate.
Causes
The etiology of cerebral venous thrombosis is relatively complex and is related to multiple factors. Common risk factors include:
- Thrombotic tendency (eg, protein C deficiency or antithrombin deficiency)
- Chronic inflammatory diseases (such as lupus and Behcet's disease)
- Pregnancy and postpartum period
- Use birth control pills containing estrogen
Diagnostic Methods
The main methods for diagnosing cerebral venous thrombosis include computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging tests are effective in showing blockages in the veins.
When imaging is used, CT venography (CTV) is an effective diagnostic tool, detecting 75-100% of thrombi.
For the immediate cause of cerebral venous thrombosis, further testing is usually done to look for possible sources of infection or other causes of the blood clot.
Treatment methods
For confirmed cerebral venous thrombosis, anticoagulant therapy (eg, low molecular weight heparin) is the common treatment of choice. If the patient's condition is critical, thrombolytic therapy or mechanical thrombectomy may be considered, but the indications for these methods still need to be carefully evaluated.
Clinical guidelines recommend that anticoagulants be used early in treatment and that treatment be tailored to the patient's specific circumstances.
In some cases, if bleeding or blood clots in the brain cause severe increase in brain pressure, surgery may be needed to reduce the pressure or place a stent.
Prognosis and epidemiology
Studies have shown that the long-term prognosis of cerebral venous thrombosis varies widely, with approximately 57.1% of people returning to normal during follow-up. The mortality rate is relatively low, but the elderly and patients with other comorbidities may have a worse prognosis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased rates of cerebral venous thrombosis have been reported in infected individuals, particularly those requiring hospitalization.
Although cerebral venous thrombosis is uncommon, it is important to understand its symptoms and treatment options. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can make a big difference in a patient's recovery. When faced with a sudden headache or other related symptoms, how should you respond to ensure your health?
