[Cerebral venous thrombosis]

An 18-year-old woman with extensive cerebral venous thrombosis is described. The symptoms were fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and focal deficits. The diagnosis was confirmed by CT and MRI. Anticoagulation was given. Full restitution was achieved within three months. Possible predisposing factors were use of oral contraceptive, smoking and anticardiolipin antibodies. The causes, symptoms, investigations and possible modes of therapy are discussed.