CVT Disease

Brain – The Most Complex Part of the Human Body! Made of complex networks with more than 86 billion neurons, it is responsible for interpreting the senses, initiating body movement, controlling behaviour, and much more. It is a universe in itself, like the vastness of ‘Star Wars’.

A part of the central nervous system, the brain is responsible for controlling thought, emotions, touch, memory, motor skills, vision, breathing, hunger and every process that regulates our body. As you’re reading this blog, your brain is working behind the scenes, processing the words and turning them into meaning. The three-pound organ is the fattiest organ of the human body, comprising 60% fat.

What is Cerebral Venous Thrombosis?

The analogy of the brain is the same as a computer, the brain takes in information, processes it, and then produces output. The brain comprises several important components like neurons, glial cells, blood vessels, and different regions. One such important part of the brain is the cerebral vein, which is responsible for draining deoxygenated blood away from the cerebrum (the outer part of the brain). The cerebral vein ensures proper blood circulation in the brain. 

The more vital an organ is, even a minor issue could lead to serious problems. The same is true for brain-related conditions. One such condition affecting the brain’s function is cerebral venous thrombosis. Defined as a blood clot of a cerebral vein in the brain. Cerebral venous thrombosis is a severe condition that can cause severe headaches, brain swelling, blurred vision, and other life-threatening conditions if not treated appropriately. 

The name cerebral venous thrombosis translates to a blood clot in the veins of the brain. 

• Cerebral: Refers to the brain
• Venous: Represent the veins
• Thrombosis: Denotes to the formation of a blood clot

The formation of blood clots affects the normal blood flow in the brain, leading to pressure buildup in the brain. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) can be associated with head injury, infections, certain medications, etc. It is a rare condition, however, if left untreated CVT can lead to a stroke or brain damage.

What are the Causes of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis?

There are various factors that may lead to cerebral venous thrombosis, some of them are listed below:

• Pregnancy

  During pregnancy certain hormones like estrogen, progesterone, etc drastically increase and blood clotting during pregnancy or after delivery may contribute to cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT).

• Head Injury or Trauma

  Head injuries occurring out of accidents particularly involving skull fractures damaging brain veins increase the risk of thrombosis.

• Infections

  Various types of infections including, ear infections, sinusitis, meningitis and other infections involving the face or brain can lead to CVT.

• Oral Contraceptives

  Blood clotting tendencies may increase in the body by usage of birth control pills and hormonal therapies. 

• Blood Clotting Disorders

  Conditions like genetic clotting disorder or thrombophilia (a disorder that makes the blood clot more easily) increase the risk of clot formation leading to CVT.

Other less common conditions that may lead to CVT include severe dehydration, certain types of cancer and their treatments, autoimmune diseases, obesity, genetic factors, etc.

According to a research report by ‘The National Center for Biotechnology Information’ (NCBI) cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is more common among females. The most common cause of CVT among infants is ear infection. Interruption in regular blood flow may lead to blood clots. However, CVT may be triggered by several factors: 

What are the Symptoms of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis?

The symptoms of cerebral venous thrombosis can vary depending upon several factors including the location of the clot, severity of blockade, duration, and other individual factors like age, pre-existing medical conditions, etc. Some of the most common symptoms experienced by individuals suffering from cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) include:

• Persistent Headache: The most common symptom of CVT is severe and persistent headache. The headaches can worsen over time and may resemble a migraine.
• Blurred Vision: CVT can lead to blurred or double vision. Loss of vision may also occur as a result of intense pressure on the optic nerve.
• Nausea & Vomiting: Individuals diagnosed with CVT may experience nausea due to increased pressure in the brain. 
• Dizziness or Balance Problems: People suffering from CVT often experience difficulty maintaining balance or coordination while walking, standing, etc.
• Swelling of the Brain: A severe symptom of CVT may cause severe headaches and neurological symptoms.
• Altered Mental State: Confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty concentrating are other severe symptoms of CVT.
• Stroke-like Symptoms: Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body that may lead to unconsciousness or coma.

How is Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Diagnosed?

A specialist, usually a neurologist or neurosurgeon can perform a physical examination to evaluate:

• The symptoms
• Medical condition/pre-existing medical conditions
• Family/genetic history

The neurologist after comprehending the symptom may suggest certain imaging tests to determine the blood circulation in the brain. Some of the commonly used imaging tests to diagnose CVT are,

• Brain MRI: To determine the blood vessels in the head and neck area.
• CT Scan: To identify abnormalities with skull bones & arterial vessels.
• Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV): To check blood circulation, irregularities, strokes, or brain bleeds.

What are the Treatment Options for Cerebral Venous Thrombosis?

Treatment of CVT depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment aims to dissolve clots, prevent them from extending, reestablish proper drainage, manage underlying causes and prevent complications. Treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis involves:

• Treatment Through Medication

  This is usually the first step towards the treatment of CVT. The medicines help prevent blood clots and prevent further clot growth. Some of the commonly prescribed medicines include injectable anticoagulants, oral anticoagulants or blood thinners. 

• Thrombolytics

  When anticoagulant treatment is ineffective in dissolving the clot, thrombolytics or clot-dissolving treatment is the recommended course of action. Blood clots in blood vessels can be broken by thrombolytics which are medications that are delivered directly to the clots or by breaking the clot using a mechanical device.

• Monitoring & Management of Symptoms

  This involves the management of symptoms occurring from CVT, such as headaches, pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs can be used, anti-seizure medications for seizures, etc. Additionally, the brain activity is monitored through follow-up venograms and imaging tests to identify the progress.

Prevention of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

FAQs

What is cerebral venous thrombosis?

Cerebral venous thrombosis is a condition causing blood clots of the cerebral vein in the brain. It is a severe condition that can cause headaches, brain swelling, blurred vision, and other life-threatening conditions if not treated appropriately.

Can cerebral venous thrombosis recur?

Yes, cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) can recur, although the risk is considered low.

Does cerebral venous thrombosis go away? 

Yes, cerebral venous thrombosis can go away and be completely cured with prompt diagnosis and treatment.

How is cerebral venous thrombosis treated?

Cerebral venous thrombosis is primarily treated with anticoagulant medications and thrombolytics. For severe cases, surgery may be recommended. 

How to diagnose cerebral venous thrombosis?

Diagnosis of CVT can be done through various imaging tests including, Brain MRI, CT Scan, and magnetic resonance venography (MRV).

How to prevent cerebral venous thrombosis?

Prevention of CVT can be done through lifestyle changes, managing underlying medical conditions, adopting a healthy diet, etc.

What are the symptoms of cerebral venous thrombosis?

Some of the common symptoms of CVT are persistent headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, balance problems, etc.