Symptoms of cerebral thrombosis
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Common Symptoms of Cerebral Thrombosis (Cerebral Venous Thrombosis)
Cerebral thrombosis, also known as cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), presents with a wide range of symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose. The most frequently reported and important symptoms are:
Headache as the Most Common Symptom
Headache is the most common and often the first symptom of cerebral thrombosis, reported in up to 90% of cases. It can precede other symptoms by days or even weeks and is often severe and throbbing in nature. The headache may be unilateral or bilateral and does not have specific features, which can make diagnosis difficult. Recognizing a new, severe, or unusual headache is crucial for early detection of CVT 12345678+1 MORE.
Neurological Deficits and Focal Signs
Many patients develop focal neurological deficits, which can include motor or sensory loss, speech disturbances, and cranial nerve abnormalities. These deficits are often found during physical examination and may be accompanied by other neurological signs such as hemianopia (loss of half the field of vision), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), and diplopia (double vision) 13478.
Seizures and Altered Consciousness
Seizures are a common symptom and may be the presenting feature in some patients. Altered consciousness, ranging from confusion to coma, can also occur, especially in more severe cases or when the deep cerebral veins are involved 12347910.
Visual Disturbances and Papilledema
Visual problems, including blurred vision and papilledema (swelling of the optic disc), are frequently observed. Papilledema is a sign of increased intracranial pressure and is commonly found on clinical examination 236.
Other Symptoms
Some patients may experience symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure, such as nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, deep cerebral vein thrombosis can cause severe dysfunction of the diencephalon, leading to coma and disturbances in eye movements and pupillary reflexes. However, milder or partial syndromes can also occur, sometimes leading to misdiagnosis 410.
Symptom Variability and Diagnostic Challenges
The clinical presentation of cerebral thrombosis is highly variable. Some patients may only have a headache, while others present with a combination of symptoms such as seizures, focal deficits, and altered consciousness. The non-specific nature of these symptoms often makes diagnosis challenging, especially in emergency settings 1459.
Conclusion
Cerebral thrombosis most commonly presents with headache, but can also cause seizures, focal neurological deficits, visual disturbances, and altered consciousness. The symptoms are often non-specific and variable, which can delay diagnosis. Early recognition of these symptoms, especially a new or severe headache, is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment, improving the chances of a good outcome.
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