Blood clot in brain medical terminology
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Medical Terminology for Blood Clot in the Brain
Cerebral Vein Thrombosis (CVT)
Definition and Mechanism
A blood clot in the veins that drain blood from the brain is medically termed as cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) or sinus vein thrombosis. This condition is relatively rare, affecting approximately 1,500 individuals annually in the United States. Blood normally flows through arteries into the brain, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients. Afterward, it collects into small veins (cerebral veins) that drain into larger veins called sinus veins. These sinus veins then lead to the jugular veins in the neck, which return the blood to the heart.
Pathophysiology
When a clot obstructs these veins, it causes a backup of blood, increasing pressure in the blood vessels before the obstruction. This increased pressure can lead to swelling in parts of the brain, resulting in headaches and potentially damaging brain tissue, which can cause stroke-like symptoms. In severe cases, the pressure may cause the blood vessel to rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain.
Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage (SICH)
Definition and Causes
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) is another type of blood clot that occurs within the brain parenchyma without any preceding trauma or surgery. SICH accounts for 10 to 15% of all strokes and has a higher mortality rate compared to ischemic stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Common causes include hypertension, amyloid angiopathy, coagulopathy, vascular anomalies, tumors, and certain drugs, with hypertension being the most significant modifiable risk factor.
Diagnosis and Management
Computerized tomography (CT) scanning is the preferred initial diagnostic tool for SICH, and angiography is recommended in most cases, except for older patients with preexisting hypertension and specific types of hemorrhages. Medical management strategies include venous thrombosis prophylaxis, gastric cytoprotection, and aggressive rehabilitation. Anticonvulsants are advised for supratentorial SICH, while the management of hypertension remains controversial.
Surgical Considerations
Although there is no definitive evidence favoring surgical intervention, early surgery is theoretically beneficial. Surgery is recommended for patients with moderate to large lobar or basal ganglia hemorrhages and those experiencing progressive neurological deterioration. Conversely, elderly patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score below 5, those with brainstem hemorrhages, and those with small hemorrhages typically do not benefit from surgery. However, patients with cerebellar hemorrhages larger than 3 cm, brainstem compression, hydrocephalus, or neurological deterioration should undergo surgical evacuation of the clot.
Conclusion
Understanding the medical terminology and mechanisms behind blood clots in the brain, such as cerebral vein thrombosis and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Both conditions, though distinct in their pathophysiology and treatment approaches, underscore the importance of timely medical intervention to mitigate severe outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic