Massive traumatic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in a pediatric patient: a case report

Background Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in children is a rare condition with diverse symptoms. Although mild head trauma is an uncommon cause, it can lead to CVST, often delaying diagnosis and treatment. Case presentation A 10-year-old girl who visited the emergency room 5 days after a head injury. Initially experiencing mild dizziness, she later developed a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Examination showed drowsiness and brain swelling, with a CT scan suggesting a blood clot. An MRI confirmed the clot, leading to successful thrombectomy and thrombolysis. Her symptoms improved, and follow-up tests showed the vein was clear. Over a 3-year follow-up, MRIs confirmed the vein remained open without recurrent thrombosis. The patient recovered academically and socially, with Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure scores of 0 in all areas. Conclusion This case underscores the importance of considering CVST as a rare but critical diagnosis in children with mild head trauma presenting symptoms like headache, vomiting, and drowsiness.