In plain words
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a clot in the veins that carry blood out of the brain. It is the same condition as , and the longer name appears in some medical texts. The clot can block drainage, which can cause pressure, bleeding, or stroke-like symptoms. It is rare, and it can happen in pregnancy and in the weeks after birth. The most common warning sign is a headache that is severe, keeps getting worse, or does not go away. Other signs can include seizures, vision changes, confusion, or weakness on one side. Clinicians regard these symptoms as emergencies. Brain imaging is often used to confirm the diagnosis. Early recognition matters, because the condition is treatable and outcomes depend on how quickly it is found.
The deeper version
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, the same entity as cerebral venous thrombosis, is a thrombotic occlusion of the dural venous sinuses or cortical veins with risk concentrated in the puerperium. The AHA scientific statement (Saposnik and colleagues, Stroke, 2011) describes diagnosis by MR or CT venography and management centered on anticoagulation, with attention to hemorrhagic transformation. Postpartum incidence is higher than in the general population. Risk factors include dehydration, infection, , and hemoconcentration. Headache is the dominant symptom and may be accompanied by focal deficits, seizures, or papilledema. The rarity of the condition limits randomized evidence, and most data come from cohorts and registries.
Where it comes up
- Blood clots: the signs to knowPostpartum: Your Body
- Headaches after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- Headaches and migrainesPregnancy: Your Body
- Postpartum preeclampsia: the warning signsPostpartum: Your Body
- Forgetfulness and brain fogPregnancy: Mind and Life
What mothers here say about cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
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Sources
- Saposnik G and colleagues, American Heart Association — Diagnosis and management of cerebral venous thrombosis: a scientific statement. Stroke, 2011