The presentation is non-specific and may mimic other illnesses, making it one of the hardest to diagnose.
The history and physical examination findings depend on the extent of the thrombosis.
Some of the most common complaints in patients with CVT include-
- Headache is the most common presentation – in the case of a patient complaining of sudden onset headache typical of subarachnoid hemorrhage, CVT should always be kept in mind as an uncommon yet possible cause.
- Nausea, vomiting may also be present.
- Seizures
- Papilledema
- Focal neurological deficits – weakness, gait, and visual abnormalities have all been reported
- If the thrombosis extends to the jugular vein, there will be signs of multiple cranial nerve involvement :
Lesions in the superior sagittal sinus can present with seizures and motor dysfunction
Lesions in the left transverse sinus may cause patients to be aphasic
Lesions in the cavernous sinus could present with periorbital pain and visual changes
Lesions in deep venous sinuses may present with altered mental status