Diagnosis and management of cerebral venous thrombosis

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) or cerebral thrombophlebitis is an extremely rare cause of vascular headache. In recent years, they have been diagnosed with increasing frequency, thanks to the huge advances in medical imaging. The clinical spectrum and chronological course of the disease are varied. In its early stages, cerebral venous thrombosis often manifests as isolated headaches. Other clinical manifestations of cerebral venous thrombosis depend on the size and location of the thrombosed veins: epileptic seizures, focal deficits associated with bleeding due to venous congestion or infarction, signs of intracranial hypertension and psychic disorders. Thrombosis of the cavernous sinus occupies a special place, and may be accompanied by exophthalmos, oculomotor paralysis and sensory disturbances in the territory innervated by the first branch of the trigeminal nerve. Thanks to early diagnosis of CVT and timely treatment, sequelae can be avoided in the vast majority of patients.