Long-term prognosis of cerebral vein and sinus thrombosis

In recent reports, cerebral vein and sinus thrombosis has had a better long-term prognosis than previously thought. However, there may be long-term problems that have not attracted enough attention. The aim of this chapter is to examine the literature for studies reporting long-term prognosis and outcome after cerebral vein and sinus thrombosis. The long-term prognosis after cerebral vein and sinus thrombosis mainly depends on underlying diseases, e.g. cancer. If no serious underlying disease is present, the long-term prognosis is generally good. However, death, impaired functional outcome, headache, epileptic seizures, cognitive impairment and recurrent thrombosis occur in some patients. Although the general long-term prognosis after cerebral vein and sinus thrombosis is good, the practicing clinician handling these patients should be aware of certain complications that are not uncommon. Follow-up of these patients is important, even if they initially seem to have recovered completely.