Rare type of stroke detected after sudden headache

On September 12, Dr. Nguyen Anh Minh, Stroke Center, Phu Tho General Hospital, said that the patient was admitted in a state of weakness, slow consciousness, and an examination revealed an abnormal cerebral infarction. Previously, the patient had a normal health history, rarely having headaches.

After consultation, the doctor said that the patient had a rare disease called cerebral venous thrombosis with cerebral edema, cerebral ischemia… The doctor prescribed anticoagulants and active monitoring. Currently, the patient is conscious, the strength of his limbs has improved, and he can walk on his own.

Cerebral venous thrombosis is a condition in which the cerebral veins and cerebral venous sinuses are damaged by the formation of a blood clot. Cerebral venous thrombosis can cause blockage, blood stasis in the cerebral veins and lead to cerebral hemorrhage, brain swelling and the risk of stroke.

The annual incidence ranges from 1.16 to 2.02 per 100,000 cases, usually occurring in women, with an average age of 37 years. The incidence in those over 65 years old is only about 8%. The disease is associated with factors such as birth control pills, pregnancy, postpartum, infections or congenital blood clotting disorders, malignancies, bone marrow, antiphospholipid syndrome, etc.

Cerebral venous thrombosis is a dangerous and rare disease, difficult to diagnose, and easily confused. The manifestations of the disease are quite diverse, symptoms that may occur are headache, convulsions, increased intracranial pressure (blurred vision, papilledema), and paralysis.

Stroke prevention depends largely on public awareness, because it is not only necessary to comply with treatment but also to detect new diseases. Diseases that cause stroke risk often manifest silently, many people do not have the habit of going for regular health check-ups to detect underlying diseases early.

Doctors recommend that everyone should have regular health check-ups. If the main culprits causing strokes in general such as high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation… are detected, long-term medication should be used. Do not stop taking medication on your own when you feel well or buy medication according to an old prescription. Avoid stroke risk factors by stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, controlling weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.