Headache In Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Research Articles

A case report of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome with thunderclap headache significantly exacerbated in the supine position and alleviated in the standing position

BackgroundReversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by sudden onset thunderclap headache and multiple segmental reversible cerebral vasoconstrictions that improve within 3 months. The postpartum period is a well-known precipitating factor for the onset of RCVS. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) causes thunderclap headaches in the postpartum period. While headache in CVT is sometimes exacerbated in the supine position, the severity of the headache in RCVS is usually independent of body position. In this study, we report a case of RCVS with thunderclap headache exacerbated in the supine position, and headache attacks that resolved quickly in the standing position during the postpartum period.Case presentationA 33-year-old woman presented with a sudden increase in blood pressure and thunderclap headache on the fifth postpartum day (day 1: the first sick day). The headache was severe and pulsatile, with onset in the supine position in bed, and peaked at approximately 10 s. It was accompanied by nausea and chills but there were no scintillating scotomas or ophthalmic symptoms. The headache resolved in the standing or sitting position but was exacerbated and became unbearable within a few seconds when the patient was in the supine position. Therefore, she was unable to lie supine at night. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the head on day 2 and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) on day 3 showed no abnormalities. However, considering the possibility of RCVS, verapamil was initiated on day 3. The headache resolved the following day. MRA of the head on day 10 revealed diffuse and segmental stenoses in the bilateral middle and posterior cerebral arteries and basilar artery. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with RCVS. The headache gradually resolved and disappeared completely on day 42. Cerebral vasoconstriction was also improved on MRA on day 43.ConclusionsThis postpartum RCVS case was notable for the exacerbation of headaches in the supine position. For the diagnosis of thunderclap headache in the postpartum period, RCVS should be considered in addition to CVT when the patient presents with a headache that is exacerbated in the supine position.

Risk Factors for Severe Residual Headache in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

Which factors will influence the presence of severe residual headache after cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for severe residual headache in a large single-center cohort of patients with CVT. We consecutively included eligible patients with CVT from a prospective stroke registry. Severe residual headache was defined as a residual headache attack requiring bed rest or hospital admission within 1 month before the last follow-up visit. We identified the risk factors of severe residual headache in all survivors and in those with favorable functional outcome (a modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2). A total of 325 patients' data were analyzed. At the last follow-up (median 13 months), 43 patients (13.2%) reported severe headache. In the multivariable analysis, isolated intracranial hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 3.309 [95% CI, 1.434-7.634]; P=0.005), CVT recurrence (OR, 4.722 [95% CI, 1.639-13.602]; P=0.004), and no recanalization (OR, 10.158 [95% CI, 4.194-24.600]; P<0.001) were independently associated with severe headache. Severe headache was more frequent in patients with unfavorable outcome (11/25 [44.0%] versus 32/300 [10.7%]; P<0.001). In patients with favorable outcome, the risk factors for severe headache were isolated intracranial hypertension (OR, 3.236 [95% CI, 1.268-8.256]; P=0.014) and no recanalization (OR, 7.863 [95% CI, 3.120-19.812]; P<0.001). Isolated intracranial hypertension, CVT recurrence, and no recanalization increased the risk for severe residual headache after CVT.

Headache in cerebral venous thrombosis.

Headache has been consistently reported as the most common symptom of cerebral venous thrombosis and as the most frequent presenting feature. It is often the heralding symptom, preceding other manifestations of the disease by days or even weeks. This aspect highlights the importance of recognizing headache due to cerebral venous thrombosis, as early recognition of the disease can lead to a rapid diagnosis with appropriate imaging techniques and as early treatment with heparin can dramatically change the course of the disease and alter the prognosis. Unfortunately, although common, the headache has no specific features, and the clinical presentation of CVT is highly variable, making the correct diagnosis in the emergency setting a challenging task for clinicians, even in the case of highly specialized ones such as neurologists. In this review, we will briefly summarize the epidemiology and physiopathology of CVT, and then we will discuss in more details the causes, features, and course of headache, focusing on its relevance for differential diagnosis and on red flags that should suggest the possibility of CVT as the cause of the headache.

Headache in cerebral venous thrombosis associated with extracranial tumors: a clinical series.

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) may represent the clinical onset of malignancies or complicate their course, also in phase of quiescence. In literature, there are several case reports on the association between CVT and tumors, but there are few articles on its clinical characteristics in cancer patients (Pts). Our aim was to analyze the clinical characteristics of CVT associated with extracranial tumors. We identified nine cases of CVT in adults affected by extracranial tumors in 6 years from six hospitals. The median age was 40 years; eight Pts were female. Associated tumors were: lymphoma (4/9); breast (2/9), rhinopharynges (1/9) and gastric (1/9) carcinomas. One patient presented a kidney tumor and a melanoma at the same time. Multiple sinuses were affected in seven Pts. MRI showed parenchymal lesions in most cases (7/9). Clinical manifestations were: focal deficits (7/9), headache (6/9), early seizures (4/9) and consciousness disorders (3/9). Headache was the onset symptom in six Pts. In four of these Pts, headache preceded the onset of the focal deficit and/or seizures than 2-15 days. The characteristics of the headache were variable in intensity, location and type but all the Pts agreed in saying that it was an unusual headache, unresponsive to common pain medications. Five of the six Pts complaining of headache in the course of CVT presented focal deficits and parenchymal lesions at admission to the emergency room. All nine Pts were anticoagulated without further haemorrhagic complications. At discharge, the Pts presented a complete recovery in four cases, mild sequelae in four and moderate sequelae in one. In conclusion, we would like to underline the importance of particular care to cancer Pts complaining of headache, since the early diagnosis and the appropriate anticoagulant treatment could prevent the appearance of parenchymal lesions and the consequent neurological deficits. Also in the cases of normal brain CT, a brain MRI/MR venography should be performed in emergency setting if CVT is suspected.

Abstract T P168: Headache and Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

Background and purpose: Headache is the most frequent presenting symptom of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), but many aspects of its profile are unknown because large scale studies are scarce. We aimed to analyze the headache characteristics in the largest cohort of Hispanic Mestizo patients with CVT. Methods: Since 1986 a systematic CVT registry has been carried out in 2 tertiary referral Neurological centers in Mexico City. Herein we examine the headache profile and the association of demographic, clinical and neuroimaging factors with the occurrence of headache in 408 consecutive patients. Results: Among 408 patients (82% women) included in this registry, headache occurred in 346 (85%; 86% in women, 79% in men, p NS), being the first neurological manifestation in 309 (76%). Headache onset was acute in 46%, of gradual onset in 51%, and a sudden explosive onset like thunderclap occurred in 3%. A diffuse headache pattern occurred in 56%, bifrontal in 22%, unilateral in 15%, and suboccipital in 8%. It was of pulsatile quality in 73%, and oppressive in 24.3%, and it was mostly deemed as severe (49%) or moderate (47%) in intensity, described as progressive in 19%, and with nausea or vomiting in 52% patients. Headache was the only neurological symptom in 58 patients (14%): as part of an isolated intracranial syndrome in 52 (13%) and as the sole manifestation of CVT in 6 (1.5%). Headache was followed by other neurological symptoms in 70%, appearing within 48 hours of headache onset in 33%, within 3-6 days in 34%, within 7-10 days in 16%, and after 10 days in 18%. CVT diagnosis was significantly delayed in patients with headache, as compared with other neurological presentations (delay &gt;15 days: 30% vs. 8%, respectively; p&lt;0.05). There were not differences in anatomical topography of CVT in patients presenting with headache, as compared with other neurological features. Conclusions: There is no identifiable, uniform, recognizable pattern of headache in CVT and often precedes the development of other neurological deficits for days or even weeks delaying the diagnosis of CVT. Interestingly, neither the presence nor the quality of headache is associated with the topography or extension of CTV.

Paradoxical presentation of orthostatic headache associated with increased intracranial pressure in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis

Headache is the most common symptom of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT); however, the detailed underlying mechanisms and characteristics of headache in CVT have not been well described. Here, we report two cases of CVT whose primary and lasting presentation was orthostatic headache, suggestive of decreased intracranial pressure. Contrary to our expectations, the headaches were associated with elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance venography showed characteristic voiding defects consistent with CVT. We suggest that orthostatic headache can be developed in a condition of decreased intracranial CSF volume in both intracranial hypotensive and intracranial hypertensive states. In these cases, orthostatic headache in CVT might be caused by decreased intracranial CSF volume that leads to the inferior displacement of the brain and traction on pain-sensitive intracranial vessels, despite increased CSF pressure on measurement. CVT should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a patient complains of orthostatic headache.

Headache as the sole presentation of cerebral venous thrombosis: a prospective study

Headache is the most frequent presenting symptom of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), most commonly associated with other manifestations. It has been described as its only clinical presentation in 15 % of patients. There is no typical pattern of headache in CVT. The objective of this study was to study the characteristics of headache as the sole manifestation of CVT. From a prospective study of 30 consecutive patients diagnosed with CVT over 18 months, we selected those who presented with headache only: they had a normal neurological examination, no papilloedema and no blood or any parenchymal lesion on CT scan. All were submitted to a systematic etiological workup and a structured questionnaire about the characteristics of headache was provided. Headache was the sole manifestation of CVT in 12 patients; it was diffuse or bilateral in the majority. Seven patients referred worsening with sleep/lying down, Valsalva maneuvers or straining. There was no association between the characteristics of headache and extension of CVT. Time from onset to diagnosis was significantly delayed in these patients presenting only with headache. In our series, 40 % of patients presented only with headache. There was no uniform pattern of headache apart from being bilateral. There was a significant delay of diagnosis in these patients. Some characteristics of headache should raise the suspicion of CVT: recent persistent headache, thunderclap headache or pain worsening with straining, sleep/lying down or Valsalva maneuvers even in the absence of papilloedema or focal signs.

Headache in cerebral venous thrombosis: incidence, pattern and location in 200 consecutive patients

We analyzed the incidence, pattern and location of headache in consecutive 200 patients with proven diagnosis of CVT to identify an association between localization of headache and site of sinus involvement. Headache was present in 136 (68%) patients. The duration of headache (reported in 128 patients) was reported as acute (1–3 days), 81 patients (60%); sub-acute (4–14 days), 33 patients (24%); and chronic (more than 14 days), 14 patients (10%). The quality of headache (reported in 72 patients) was reported as throbbing 12 (9%), band like 27 (20%), thunderclap 7 (5%), and other (pounding, exploding, stabbing, etc.) 26 (20%). The location of headache (reported in 101 patients) was reported as unilateral (one side of head) 48 (37%), localized (frontal, temporal, occipital, and neck) 25 (19%), and diffuse (whole head) 28 (20%). 43 (32%) patients had normal neurological examination (normal mental status, cranial nerves, motor and sensory examination with down going planters). 93 (68%) patients have abnormal findings on neurological examination including papilledema 29 (15%) patients, altered mental status 38 (19%), and focal neurological deficit 45 (22%) patients. There was no association between headache and presence of hemorrhage on CT and MRI (P = 0.1) or hydrocephalus (P = 0.09). There was no association between localization of headache and site of sinus thrombosis except sigmoid sinus thrombosis, where 17 out of 28 patients with involvement of sigmoid sinus alone or in combination with transverse sinus had pain in the occipital and neck region (P < 0.05). There was no association between lateralization of pain and site of thrombosis (P = 0.66).

Headache as the only neurological sign of cerebral venous thrombosis: a series of 17 cases

Background: Headache is the most frequent symptom in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), and usually the first. However, it has rarely been reported as the only symptom of CVT. Objectives: To...

Headache in cerebral venous thrombosis

In the past, cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) was considered a rare, devastating disease. The widespread use of angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) over the years has made early diagnosis of CVT possible and has completely changed the perception of this condition. CVT is much more common than previously thought. It has a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, multiple causes and unpredictable outcome. In contrast to arterial stroke, headache is the most frequent and, at times, the only symptom of CVT. It is crucial to recognise the association of headache with CVT in order to reach a correct diagnosis and to start the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Therefore in order to define the headache features useful for an early diagnosis of CVT we reviewed the current literature on this topic and performed both a retrospective and a prospective study. In the literature we found that this headache has no specific features as it can be of any grade of severity and is slightly more frequently diffuse than localised. Its onset is usually subacute over a few days but it can also be acute or chronic. It is mostly persistent but can occasionally be intermittent. Headache attributed to CVT is sometimes misleading, mimicking migraine, subarachnoid haemorrhage, CSF hypertension or hypotension. However this information has been derived from case series which lacked a control group and thus have low statistical strength. Our retrospective study, confirmed by preliminary results in the prospective multicentric study, showed that headache in CVT is as often acute as subacute, and that it is more frequently localised than diffuse. Finally, both studies showed a significant correlation between headache of acute onset and severe intensity and CVT. We then conclude that these headache features, especially in the presence of underlying prothrombotic conditions, should lead clinicians to consider the diagnosis of CVT and to require appropriate neuroimaging examinations.

Headache in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

P37 Objectives: Although headache is the most frequent and often the earliest symptom of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), few studies have attempted to define its clinical features. Our aim is to describe the main characteristics of headache in CVT patients. Methods: From March 1996 to June 2000 we prospectively evaluated 39 patients. After clinical examination, diagnostic confirmation was obtained by magnetic resonance imaging and/or angiography. Information about headache was recorded on a standardized form, including location, severity, duration, quality, worsening and associated features. Results: The group included 69% females (mean age 35 years; range 8–81). Headache occurred in 35 patients (89.7%), and was the initial symptom in 84.6%. In 28.6% an isolated intracranial hypertension syndrome occurred. Among 66 % with severe headaches, 70% had multiple sinus thrombosis and 43.4% had intraparenchymal lesions. Four patients (11.4%) had a thunderclap-like headache. Headache onset was acute (&lt; 48 hours) in 9 patients (26%), subacute (48 hours to 30 days) in 7 (20%) and chronic (&gt; 30 days) in the remaining 54%. Headache was mostly focal (63%) and pulsatile in 48.6% patients. Pain worsened with head movements in 31.4% of patients, physical activity in 23% and coughing or sneezing in 20%. The most striking feature was the presence of focal signs (aphasia, motor and sensory deficits and visual field defects) in 74% of patients. In 11 of the 23 patients with severe headache, mean initial CSF pressure was 37.6 cmH2O and in those with thunderclap headache it was 51.7 cmH2O. Prior history of headache was present in 17 of CVT patients (48.6%). Conclusions: Headache was a frequent symptom, usually severe and focal at onset in our CVT patients. The severity of headache seems to be associated with initial CSF pressures, however, a clear relationship with intraparenchymal lesions was not observed. A striking feature was the association of headache and other neurological abnormalities. Thunderclap headache is seldom considered in patients with CVT. Prior headache was frequent and may contribute to diagnostic delays. The recognition of headache characteristics may help earlier identification of CVT patients in the emergency room.

Headache in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

P37 Objectives: Although headache is the most frequent and often the earliest symptom of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), few studies have attempted to define its clinical features. Our aim is to describe the main characteristics of headache in CVT patients. Methods: From March 1996 to June 2000 we prospectively evaluated 39 patients. After clinical examination, diagnostic confirmation was obtained by magnetic resonance imaging and/or angiography. Information about headache was recorded on a standardized form, including location, severity, duration, quality, worsening and associated features. Results: The group included 69% females (mean age 35 years; range 8–81). Headache occurred in 35 patients (89.7%), and was the initial symptom in 84.6%. In 28.6% an isolated intracranial hypertension syndrome occurred. Among 66 % with severe headaches, 70% had multiple sinus thrombosis and 43.4% had intraparenchymal lesions. Four patients (11.4%) had a thunderclap-like headache. Headache onset was acute ( 30 days) in the remaining 54%. Headache was mostly focal (63%) and pulsatile in 48.6% patients. Pain worsened with head movements in 31.4% of patients, physical activity in 23% and coughing or sneezing in 20%. The most striking feature was the presence of focal signs (aphasia, motor and sensory deficits and visual field defects) in 74% of patients. In 11 of the 23 patients with severe headache, mean initial CSF pressure was 37.6 cmH2O and in those with thunderclap headache it was 51.7 cmH2O. Prior history of headache was present in 17 of CVT patients (48.6%). Conclusions: Headache was a frequent symptom, usually severe and focal at onset in our CVT patients. The severity of headache seems to be associated with initial CSF pressures, however, a clear relationship with intraparenchymal lesions was not observed. A striking feature was the association of headache and other neurological abnormalities. Thunderclap headache is seldom considered in patients with CVT. Prior headache was frequent and may contribute to diagnostic delays. The recognition of headache characteristics may help earlier identification of CVT patients in the emergency room.