Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
10:26
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
17.1K
Venous thromboembolism in neurologic disease
1Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|December 25, 2013
Summary
Patients with neurologic diseases face high risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to immobility and hypercoagulable states. Prophylaxis is crucial, balancing bleeding risks with thrombosis prevention for optimal patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Patients with neurologic diseases are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to immobility and hypercoagulable states.
- Neurologic conditions such as spinal cord injuries, brain tumors, and strokes significantly elevate VTE risk, requiring heightened clinical vigilance.
- VTE is highly prevalent in hospitalized neurologic and neurosurgical patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the risks and management strategies for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with neurologic diseases.
- To emphasize the importance of prophylaxis and early recognition of VTE in this high-risk population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on VTE in neurologic patients.
- Analysis of current guidelines for VTE prophylaxis and treatment in neuro-critical care settings.
- Discussion of the balance between bleeding risks and thrombotic events in anticoagulant therapy selection.
Main Results:
- Mechanical thromboprophylaxis is recommended for nearly all hospitalized neurologic and neurosurgical patients.
- Pharmacologic prophylaxis with heparin or low molecular weight heparinoids is advised for high-risk patients without contraindications.
- Alternative anticoagulants may be necessary for patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are an option but not always the primary choice for neurologic patients.
Conclusions:
- VTE prevention and management in neurologic patients require careful consideration of individual risk factors and potential complications.
- Early detection of VTE signs and symptoms is essential for timely intervention.
- Balancing the risks of bleeding against recurrent thrombotic events is critical when deciding on VTE treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
482
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
482
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
822
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
822
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
415
Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
415
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
469
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
469
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
30
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
30
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
756
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
756