Cerebral venous thrombosis in the puerperium: a reflective case study

The increased risk of stroke during pregnancy and the puerperium - defined as being the first six weeks post-partum - has been well documented. The incidence, however, is still very low and has been estimated at 30 per 100,000 pregnancies. Strokes can result from several causes, including ischaemia, intracerebral bleeds, subarachnoid bleeds and venous thrombosis. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) - a complete or partial occlusion of the major cerebral venous sinuses or cortical veins - accounts for 27%-57% of all pregnancy and puerperium-related strokes, which would equate to an incidence of 8-16 episodes per 100,000 deliveries. This article discusses the case of a young woman who presented to the emergency department complaining of bilateral eye pain. It considers the causes, the variability of presenting symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for CVT. Given the variability of the condition's presentation, this article aims to assist nurses in identifying at-risk patients and promotes the benefits of collaboration with colleagues to improve patient outcomes.