Cerebral venous thrombosis: a review.
BACKGROUND
Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is less frequent than arterial thrombosis, presents in an atypical fashion, and is an uncommon cause of stroke. Although the functional outcome from CVT is better than arterial strokes, the outcome of CVT remains unpredictable and may lead to sequelae or even death if not recognized and treated early.


RESULTS
The clinical presentations, time of onset, and neuroimaging findings vary. Symptoms include headache, seizures, neurologic deficits, and altered consciousness. Causes include hematologic disorders, hypercoagulable states, pregnancy, and contraceptive medications. Treatment of this infrequent condition remains controversial and includes heparin infusions, intrasinus thrombolysis, and other endovascular procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
Further clinical trials are needed to address optimal treatment of this infrequent but potentially serious condition.
Department of Neurology, Division of Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. asad.ehtisham@gmail.com
As'ad
A
Ehtisham
Barney J
BJ
Stern
D006801:Humans; D020767:Intracranial Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy