What Is Meant By Partial Recanalization In The Brain?

Posted on Tue, 23 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : What does partial recanalization mean in the brain - i had cerebral venous sinus thrombosis - seizure as a result.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (9 minutes later)

It means restarting of blood flow in blocked blood vessels. Partial recanalization is when it is done to restore some blood flow which is less than normal. However some recanalization is enough for functioning of brain. Full recanalization is difficult and not always necessary. Hit a thank. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (8 hours later)

Thanks for the response - the clot was found on right side - jugular vein. Notably even after the seizure and im on warfarin - I have painful pressure/pain on my left side of my head. Why is that? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
Hello! I read your question including your past queries and being a neurologist I will try to answer your questions.

Regarding the abnormal sensations you experience on the left side: the venous sinuses are the vessels where smaller veins drain their blood.
The occlusion which happened led to obstruction of blood flow in these smaller vessels. That led to flow turbulence and increased pressure in those vessels which can manifest with pain and abnormal sensations like the ones you are describing. You say the thrombosis was on the right, but from the CT image it's on the left.

Some turbulence is still present given the still not complete recanalization hence the symptoms persisting. I understand it might be a little bothering but being protected by warfarin you shouldn't feel in danger.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (8 minutes later)

Thank you for this! Very informative! Is CVST a form of a stroke? Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, a form of stroke.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your feedback.

Yes it is a form of stroke. Not the common type of which most people have heard which involves the arteries, the vessels taking blood to the brain. It involves the veins, vessels which take that blood back out of the brain and symptoms can be atypical.
More commonly it happens around childbirth when the mother's blood has a tendency to coagulate more easily. If not your case then it is important your doctors identify whether there is any factor you have,
predisposing your blood to coagulate more easily.

I hope to have been of help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (33 minutes later)

Thank you for this! Much appreciated!!!

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You're welcome

Detailed Answer:
I hope you'll feel better soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar