Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Patient Primer

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This month, we welcome Dr. Gregory Piazza for an overview on cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), a rare condition that has recently been associated with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Piazza is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Section Head of Vascular Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and a member of NATF’s Board of Directors.

In this webinar, Dr. Piazza specifically discusses:

  • What CVST is
  • Risk factors for CVST
  • Signs and symptoms 
  • Tools used to diagnose CVST
  • Treatment strategies
  • The prognosis of CVST (how the disease progresses)

Key Takeaways:

  • Although rare in the general population, CVST is more common among younger people, women, and patients with blood clotting disorders.
  • There are four major syndromes that are typically seen in CVST, including increased pressure in the brain, problems with brain function, seizures, and certain changes in mental status.
  • The diagnosis requires recognition of these syndromes + imaging.
  • Anticoagulation (a blood thinner) is the key therapy for CVST.

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