Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different cerebral venous sinus thrombosis patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare form of stroke where blood clots form in the brain's venous sinuses. This prevents blood from draining out of the brain, leading to increased pressure which can cause headaches, blurred vision, fainting, or other neurological symptoms. If not promptly treated, CVST can lead to serious complications, including brain damage and death. Recognizing the signs and understanding the pathology of CVST are critical for timely diagnosis and management.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets cerebral venous sinus thrombosis quite differently from Western medicine. TCM suggests that CVST results not from the clot itself but from underlying imbalances in the body’s energetic systems.
Key to this perspective is the concept of Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis, where the vital energy of the body and the blood do not flow freely. This holistic approach stresses identifying and correcting the root causes of the energy disruption to effectively treat CVST.
TCM Patterns for Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Qi Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Normal or slightly dark on side with white or yellow coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address cerebral venous sinus thrombosis