Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis medical therapy
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Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis Microchapters |
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Differentiating Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis from other Diseases |
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Various studies have investigated the use of anticoagulation (suppression of blood clot formation) in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Before these trials, there was a concern that small areas of hemorrhage would bleed further as a result of treatment. The European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) recommends heparin or low molecular weight heparin in the initial treatment, followed by warfarin, provided there are no other bleeding risks that would make these treatments unsuitable.[1] The duration of warfarin treatment depends on the circumstances and underlying causes of the condition. If the thrombosis developed under temporary circumstances (e.g. pregnancy), three months are regarded as sufficient. If the condition was unprovoked but there are no clear causes or a "mild" form of thrombophilia, 6 to 12 months is advised. If there is a severe underlying thrombosis disorder, warfarin treatment may need to continue indefinitely.[1]
Thrombolysis (removal of the blood clot with "clot buster" medication) has been described, either systemically by injection into a vein or directly into the clot during angiography. The 2006 EFNS guideline recommends that thrombolysis is only used in patients who deteriorate despite adequate treatment, and other causes of deterioration have been eliminated. It is unclear which drug and which mode of administration is the most effective. Bleeding into the brain and in other sites of the body is a major concern in the use of thrombolysis.[1]
Raised intracranial pressure, if severe or threatening vision, may require therapeutic lumbar puncture (removal of excessive cerebrospinal fluid), medication (acetazolamide), or surgical treatment (optic nerve sheath fenestration or shunting).[2]
In certain situations, anticonvulsants may be used prophylactically (i.e. to prevent seizures); these are focal neurological problems (e.g. inability to move a limb) and/or focal changes of the brain tissue on CT or MRI scan.[1]