[Medical Q&A] How should venous stroke be treated and what is the outcome?

Author: Gu Yaqin Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University

Reviewer: Duan Jiangang, Chief Physician, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University

If a patient is diagnosed with venous stroke, active treatment should be given to improve their prognosis. Specific treatment methods include: ① causal treatment, such as anti-infection, correction of dehydration, and discontinuation of contraceptives; ② anticoagulation therapy. Anticoagulation is the primary treatment for venous stroke. Heparin is usually given for anticoagulation in the acute phase, and oral warfarin or new oral anticoagulants can be used as a bridge after the acute phase; ③ Intravascular treatment. Patients who do not respond well to anticoagulation treatment can be given intravascular treatment, including mechanical thrombectomy and contact thrombolysis; ④ symptomatic treatment, including fluid replacement, anti-epileptic, intracranial pressure reduction, optic nerve sheath decompression, craniectomy, etc.

Early diagnosis and timely treatment of venous stroke are crucial to improving prognosis. In recent years, with the continuous improvement of the recognition rate of venous stroke and the standardized application and innovative development of treatment methods, the disability and mortality rates of venous stroke have gradually decreased. However, there are still some patients with more serious conditions who die in the early stage or have long-term complications such as headaches, epilepsy, and limb disability. Venous stroke should attract the attention of neurologists and the whole society to better help and benefit patients.