G08: Intracranial and intraspinal phlebitis and thrombophlebitis

The brain and the spinal cord are located in the head and the vertebral canal. For the brain and the spinal cord to work, they are supplied via blood vessels. The blood flows through the venous blood vessels back to the heart. In the head, along with the normal blood vessels, there are also special venous blood vessels, the sinuses.

You have inflamed or blocked venous blood vessels. This type of inflammation can be caused by, for example, pathogens, certain vaccines, or immune system disorders. Another cause of a blood vessel inflammation can be a blood clot. A blood clot consists of a clump of congealed blood. Blood clots can occur if the wall of the blood vessel is damaged or inflamed. They can also occur if the blood is flowing too slowly. Some people have an innate tendency to get blood clots, but they can also be caused by other disorders.

Blood clots can partly or fully block blood vessels. The blood is then unable to flow properly and it backs up in the blood vessel. This can cause the tissue around the blood vessel to swell up. The blocked blood vessel can damage the tissue of the brain or spinal cord. Various symptoms may arise as a result. You can get headaches, nausea and vomiting. Seizures or cognitive disorders can also occur. One’s movements or sensory perception are sometimes disturbed.