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Published on: June 2, 2014

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis masquerading as migraine: a case report

Andrea Estey1, Tim Lynch, Rodrick K Lim

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|March 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric headaches are common, but serious causes like cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) are rare. This case highlights CSVT mimicking migraine in a child, emphasizing diagnostic challenges in the emergency department.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Headaches are a frequent reason for pediatric emergency department visits.
  • Most pediatric headaches are benign, often linked to viral infections or migraines.
  • Neuroimaging is typically not recommended for uncomplicated pediatric headaches.

Observation:

  • A child presented to the pediatric ED with headache, exhibiting behavioral issues.
  • The presentation mimicked a migraine but was complicated by aggression.
  • Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) was diagnosed, a rare pediatric emergency presentation.

Findings:

  • CSVT diagnosis relies heavily on neuroimaging.
  • This case represents an unusual pediatric ED presentation of CSVT.
  • The child's behavioral issues added complexity to the diagnostic process.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses like CSVT in pediatric headache presentations.
  • It highlights the diagnostic dilemma regarding neuroimaging in complex pediatric headache cases.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of CSVT are crucial due to its high morbidity and mortality.

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