A Rare Case of Alcohol Intoxication Masquerading Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Abstract

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis remains a diagnostic challenge courtesy to its variable degree of presentation and low level of clinical suspicion. We report a rare case of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis presenting as a complication of alcohol intoxication. Symptoms of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis are likely to remain camouflaged in alcoholics making the task for the clinician more so difficult. Strong suspicion should remain in any alcoholics with persistent neurologic features. A 52-year-old gentleman presenting with delirium, seizure, and a persistent headache was found to have multiple cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. After ruling out all the possible risk factors eventually we came into the conclusion of the role of alcohol inducing this catastrophic condition. He was treated with anticoagulant resulting in prompt resolution of his symptoms. Anti-coagulation was discontinued after 3 months and the patient continues to remain asymptomatic after 6months of regular follow-up.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in a Patient With Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

“…6,7 In addition, there are also minimal reports of CVST in association with alcohol intoxication and withdrawal which could also be a contributing factor. 5,8,9 However, the diagnosis of CVST may be missed in a patient with alcohol withdrawal symptoms due to the shared symptoms with veisalgia and intoxication, such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches. One limitation of our case was that no drug screen was performed: it is important to investigate for potential vasoactive substances that could confound the patient's presentation.…”

“…CVST after dental infection is scarcely reported and may have been a contributing factor 6,7 . In addition, there are also minimal reports of CVST in association with alcohol intoxication and withdrawal which could also be a contributing factor 5,8,9 . However, the diagnosis of CVST may be missed in a patient with alcohol withdrawal symptoms due to the shared symptoms with veisalgia and intoxication, such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.…”