[Diagnosis and treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis]

Abstract

Thrombosis of the cerebral sinuses most often affects younger adults. Headache is a common complaint and can be accom­panied by vomiting and papilloedema. The diagnosis rests on magnetic resonance imaging and the treatment consists of heparin or low-molecular weight heparin followed by vitamin K antagonists for three months or more. In fulminant cases local thrombolysis is administered, while symptomatic treatment for increased intracranial pressure is given. In retrospective analyses this approach has been associated with a good outcome – even in cases treated by decompressive craniectomy.