Cerebral venous thrombosis: Causes, treatment, and diagnosis Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is cerebral venous thrombosis Medically reviewed by Susan W. Lee, DO — By Anna Smith on June 22, 2022Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is when a blood clot forms in a vein of the brain. This can lead to blood vessels breaking, causing blood to leak into brain tissues. The cerebral veins are a network of blood vessels that drain blood out of the brain. These veins connect to dural sinuses, which are blood channels that transport blood back to the heart. Without treatment, CVT can lead to permanent disability or death. However, if a person receives treatment quickly, CVT has a positive prognosis. This article will explain CVT and its causes, symptoms, and treatments. What is cerebral venous sinus thrombosis Share on PinterestALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty ImagesCVT, also known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), occurs when a blood clot develops in a cerebral vein. This blood clot most commonly occurs between the cerebral veins and the larger brain sinuses. A blood clot can increase pressure inside the blood vessels, which can eventually cause the blood vessels to rupture. This may cause blood to leak into a person’s brain tissues, leading to internal bleeding or severe swelling. CVT is a rare condition, with an annual occurrence rate of 3–4 cases per million people. CVT causes around 0.5% of all strokes. Causes CVT can have several causes. These causes can vary depending on a person’s age. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), CVT in children can be the result of an infection such as sinusitis or tonsillitis. In adults, CVT can be the result of:oral contraceptivesprothrombotic genetic or acquired conditions such as protein C or S deficiencyinfections of the ears, sinuses, mouth, nose, and neckmalignancy, which is when a condition causes abnormal cells to multiply without controlhead traumaconditions that cause blood cells to grow abnormally in the bone marrowinflammatory bowel diseaselupusBehçet’s disease, a condition that causes blood inflammationneurosarcoidosis, which is inflammation of the nervous systemsurgeryneurosurgerylumbar punctureiron deficiency anemiasevere dehydrationthyroid diseaseobesity Risk factors According to a 2018 research review, females are 3.7–5.3 times more likely to develop CVT than males. Pregnancy and oral contraceptives can also be risk factors for CVT. CVT is most common in newborns and females ages 30–41. Other risk factors for CVT include:postpartum statushormone replacement therapygenetic conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome, hyperhomocysteinaemia, and nephrotic syndromedrugs such as cytotoxic drugs, lithium, vitamin A, ecstasy, and intravenous immunoglobulinvascular abnormalities Learn more about the increased risk of blood clots in the postpartum period. Symptoms Symptoms of CVT can vary from person to person and depend on the sinuses and veins the condition affects. Up to 90% of people with CVT may experience headaches. These headaches may appear similar to migraine but increase in severity over a few days. They can also start suddenly and be immediately severe. Other symptoms of CVT can include:vomitingnauseaeye pain or irritation More serious symptoms of CVT can include:fever, if the cause is an infectiondifficulties with speech or languagebuildup of pressure on the brainpartial weakness or paralysisloss of balance or coordinationblurred vision or vision lossloss of half the visual fieldloss of sensation on one side of the bodypain at the base of the skull, behind the earsaltered brain functioncomastrokeseizuresprotruding eyeballs Diagnosis Neuroimaging scans are generally the first tests a healthcare professional will order when diagnosing CVT. They may also ask a person about their symptoms and medical history. Scans for CVT can include: Magnetic resonance imaging MRI and magnetic resonance venography MRV scans An MRI scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to build a detailed picture of the inside of a person’s body. Doctors may also use MRV during an MRI scan. For MRV, a healthcare professional injects a special dye into a person’s blood vessels. This dye shows up on imaging scans and helps show any blockages. MRI scans are more sensitive than CT scans and, when combined with MRV, are the gold standard for diagnosing CVT. Non-contrast computerized tomography CT and CT venography CTV scans CT scans use X-rays to create an image of a cross section of a person’s body. A healthcare professional can use a CT scan to check for signs of CVT inside a person’s brain. A healthcare professional may use CTV during a CT scan. CTV is similar to MRV. A person may also have blood tests to check their blood’s ability to clot and to look for markers of inflammation. Learn about the difference between MRI and CT scans here. Treatment There are several options for treating CVT, including: Medication A 2018 research review found that anticoagulant therapy was the most common treatment for CVT. Anticoagulants, such as low molecular weight heparin, are medications that prevent a person’s blood from clotting. This treatment can help prevent the blood clot from growing. A person will also receive treatment for additional symptoms such as seizures or increased brain pressure. Thrombolysis Thrombolysis is a procedure that breaks up blood clots inside a person’s blood vessels. Doctors use this if CVT medication has not worked. Thrombolysis involves a doctor injecting clot-busting medication into a person’s blood vessels. Doctors may recommend catheter-directed thrombolysis for people with CVT. This is a procedure in which a healthcare professional inserts a catheter into a person’s blood vessel to deliver clot-busting medication directly into the clot. Surgery Doctors may recommend surgery if other treatment options are not effective. During CVT surgery, a surgeon removes the blood clot and repairs the vein. The surgeon may insert a balloon or mesh into the vein to keep it open. A person may receive additional treatment for the cause of their CVT. They may also have another imaging scan 3–6 months after treatment to check for new clots. Complications CVT is easier to treat if doctors diagnose it sooner. Without treatment, CVT can lead to:permanent disabilitystrokecomadeath Prevention CVT can be the result of genetic factors beyond a person’s control. However, certain factors may help reduce the chances of developing CVT. These include:not smokingmaintaining a moderate weightavoiding the use of oral contraceptivesavoiding dehydration Learn more about the risks to some people of intense exercise. Living with CVT If a person has any symptoms of CVT, they should seek immediate medical attention. A person with CVT needs treatment as quickly as possible. Once a person has had treatment for CVT, they may need to take a blood thinner such as warfarin. This helps prevent further blood clots from forming. Treatment can last 3–6 months in people with provoked CVT or 6–12 months in people with unprovoked CVT. If a person has recurring CVT or a condition that predisposes them to recurrent CVT, they may require lifelong treatment. Frequently asked questions Is cerebral venous thrombosis fatal Without treatment, CVT can be fatal. However, research from 2017 found that the mortality rate is 8–10%. How long can you live with cerebral venous thrombosis On average, the time from CVT onset to death is 13 days. The average time from diagnosis to death is 5 days. If a person suspects that they have CVT, they should seek medical attention immediately. What should I do in a CVT emergency If a person has symptoms of CVT, they should call 911 immediately. Symptoms include eye irritation or pain, difficulties with speech or language, partial weakness or paralysis, loss of balance or coordination, and blurred vision or vision loss. Outlook Without treatment, CVT can be fatal. If doctors treat the condition quickly, 80% of people with CVT recover without physical disability. Some people may experience residual chronic symptoms. Summary CVT is a rare disorder that happens when a blood clot forms in a person’s cerebral veins. Without treatment, CVT can cause serious complications such as stroke or death. CVT can result from many factors, such as oral contraceptives, recent pregnancy, and infection. CVT is most common in females ages 30–41. A healthcare professional can use various scans to diagnose CVT. After diagnosis, several treatment options are available, including medication, thrombolysis, and surgery. If a person experiences unusual headaches alongside symptoms of CVT, they should seek immediate medical attention. Last medically reviewed on June 22, 2022VascularVenous Thromboembolism (VTE)Medically reviewed by Susan W. Lee, DO — By Anna Smith on June 22, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat is the difference between thrombosis and embolism?Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH Thrombosis involves a blood clot limiting blood flow by blocking a blood vessel. Embolism involves any object having this effect. Learn more here.READ MOREWhat to know about the warfarin dietMedically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.D. Warfarin is a blood thinner that can be more effective when restricting foods that are vitamin K-rich. Examples of these include broccoli and…READ MOREEverything you need to know about a thrombusMedically reviewed by Brenda B. Spriggs, M.D., MPH, FACP A thrombus is a blood clot that occurs inside the vascular system. Blood clots help wounds heal, but a thrombus can cause dangerous blockages. Learn…READ MOREXarelto vs. Eliquis Xarelto and Eliquis are two prescription drugs used to treat or help prevent blood clots. Find out how they’re alike and different.READ MOREWhat to know about a blood clot behind the kneeMedically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP A blood clot can form behind the knee due to an injury, surgery, or poor blood flow. A clot in a leg vein is a serious condition that can have…READ MORE