Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

At Nuffield Vascular and Interventional Radiology, we provide care for cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), a rare but serious condition. Leveraging medical innovations, Dr Suresh Babu crafts personalised treatment plans to address CVT with precision and compassion.

Understanding Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a less commonly recognised cause of acute stroke, particularly in younger patients.

While strokes are typically caused by clots in the arterial circulation, which block the flow of oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain, CVT involves clots in the venous system. These clots form in the veins responsible for draining blood from the brain back to the heart. When this drainage is obstructed, it can lead to increased pressure, a heightened risk of bleeding within the brain, and potentially life-threatening strokes.

Recognising Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT)

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) often occurs in younger patients and presents with a range of symptoms depending on the clot’s location and severity of associated brain damage. Common presentations include:

  • Severe headaches
  • Focal neurological deficits (e.g., weakness or vision changes)
  • Altered consciousness or, in severe cases, coma

 

CVT predominantly affects young females, with key risk factors including:

  • Use of oestrogen-containing oral contraceptives
  • Prothrombotic (hypercoagulable) conditions, both genetic and acquired
  • Pregnancy and the postpartum period (puerperium)
  • Infections, malignancies, and head injuries (causing direct trauma to venous structures)
  • Inflammatory diseases

 

Recent evidence also suggests an association between CVT and certain vaccinations, highlighting the importance of thorough clinical evaluation in at-risk individuals.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT)

CVT is accurately diagnosed using an MRI/MRV scan of the brain, which provides detailed imaging to identify the presence of clots.

Treatment Approaches:

  • Anticoagulant Medication: The primary treatment for most patients, aimed at preventing clot progression and promoting recovery.
  • Catheter-Based Techniques: Used in severe, life-threatening cases where medical therapy is ineffective. These minimally invasive procedures remove clots directly from the brain.
  • Surgical Intervention: Rarely required, reserved for patients with critical bleeding in the brain.

 

Our clinic also offers neurointerventional treatments for various venous disorders affecting the brain, as well as comprehensive care for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs.

Your Health, Our Priority​

I’m here to help you regain control of your health. Together, we’ll manage your symptoms and prevent future complications using personalised care and innovative technology. – Dr Suresh Babu