Cerebral Venous Thrombosis – Symptoms and Treatment

The brain needs a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood for proper functioning and this is supplied by the heart through an intricate network of arteries in the brain. The Oxygen depleted blood is drained out through various cerebral veins. In some diseases, a blood clot develops in one of these veins. The clot interrupts the drainage as a result of which the brain swells up. This increases in pressure on the brain damages it. This condition is called cerebral venous thrombosis or CVT for short.

Symptoms

Depending on which part of the brain has been damaged, the symptoms can vary from person to person and can include:

• Headache, The most common symptom of CVT
• Blurred and impaired vision
• Slurred and incoherent speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness
• Stroke
• Weakness, fatigue and fainting
• Decreased alertness and altered consciousness
• Seizures
• Coma

Causes and Risk Factors

CVT is not a very common ailment and in many cases, the cause is unknown. In infants, the most common cause is an infection of the ear(s). In adults, there can be various risk factors such as:

• Excessive use of oestrogen-based contraceptives or birth control pills
• An infection in the ear, face or neck
• Certain blood- protein deficiencies
• Trauma or injury to the head
• Dehydration
• Obesity
• Cancers or tumours in the head (brain, neck or face)
• Smoking

Diagnosis

Imaging techniques such as CT scan and MRI scan are used to diagnose CVT. A dye is injected into the bloodstream, after which a CT scan or an MRI scan is done to detect any clots, irregularities or inflammations. This procedure is called a venogram and depending on the imaging technique used, we have CT venogram or MRI venogram. Often both these tests are done to confirm or rule out CVT.

Treatment

Treatment for CVT is initiated by a neurologist or neuro specialist. He/she will involve specialists from disciplines such as neurology, neurosurgery and neuroradiology in the course of treatment. The treatment involves 2 major steps:

• Firstly, blood-thinners or anti-coagulants are given to prevent further growth of the existing clot. The same is continued for a longer duration to prevent new clots from forming.
• Next, the symptoms must be treated to prevent complications from the same. The person may have had seizures or may be experiencing stroke-like symptoms. These will have to be treated immediately.

Conclusion

 Till a few decades ago, CVT was considered a life-threatening condition which could possibly be fatal. However, in recent years, improvements in imaging techniques have made it easy to detect the condition on time. Timely detection and treatment have resulted in successful outcomes, both worldwide and in India.

If you or any of your dear ones are diagnosed with CVT, do not panic. Consult a reputed hospital that has respected neurologists and therapists on its rolls. They will design a course of treatment and rehabilitation that will cure the condition and help you resume a normal life soon.

---

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801