Description
A rare cause of stroke. The dural sinuses drain blood from the brain. A thrombosis or clot in this sinus causes the disorder. Patients experience headache and a variety of neurologic symptoms including confusion, weakness, seizures, slurred speech, and incoordination. At times patients have a pre-existing clotting disorder.
Symptoms
Headache, weakness, confusion, slurred speech, seizures, fainting, coma.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is confirmed by imaging the veins and identifying that the blood clot is in the venous sinus. A CT venogram or MR venogram is performed to make the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: CTV, MRV
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Neurology, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is confirmed by imaging the veins and identifying that the blood clot is in the venous sinus. A CT venogram or MR venogram is performed to make the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: CTV, MRV
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Neurology, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Treatment
Therapy depends on the extent of the disease. Medications include: heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), warfarin (Coumadin), and anti-seizure medications. Thrombolysis (dissolving of the blood clot) is considered for severe disease. Some patients require surgery to relieve high intracranial pressure.