Cephalic vein thrombosis causes inflammation and painful symptoms in the affected limbs due to blood clots, which can be caused by immobility or certain illnesses. Treatment ranges from self-care to surgery, and increased mobility helps prevent symptoms. Two types of venous thrombosis exist, including superficial thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. Diagnosis is through blood tests, venography, and ultrasound, and treatment includes medications or surgery. Walking, stretching, and drinking water can help prevent thrombophlebitis.
Cephalic vein thrombosis, also known as venous thrombosis, phlebitis, and sometimes thrombophlebitis, causes inflammation of the veins caused by a blood clot. Immobility or certain illnesses increase the risk of developing a blood clot. In addition to inflammation, cephalic vein thrombosis leads to various painful and uncomfortable symptoms in the affected limbs. Treatment can range from self-care to medications to surgery, and increased mobility helps prevent symptoms.
Illness and long periods of inactivity often increase the risk of developing a blood clot, responsible for cephalic vein thrombosis. For example, bedridden patients who have had surgery may be susceptible to developing clots. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, venous thrombosis has been linked to blood vessel injury and some types of cancer. Additionally, people who sit during long car rides or plane rides may also be at risk of developing blood clots because blood flow has been restricted throughout the body, particularly in the arms and legs.
There are two types of venous thrombosis, including superficial thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis or DVT. Blood clots that form near the vein often cause swelling in the extremities. Superficial thrombophlebitis results from a blood clot formed just under the surface of the skin, while deep vein thrombosis penetrates a deeper vein in a leg or arm.
Inflammation is the primary warning sign, but the condition also causes many other physical symptoms. Pain in any veiny area of the arm or leg should be carefully examined by a doctor. With superficial thrombosis, additional symptoms may include a red cord-like vein accompanied by swelling or tenderness. DVT often leads to generalized swelling in the arm or leg, followed by redness and warmth. The Mayo Clinic notes that severe cases of DVT show additional symptoms such as fever or shortness of breath, requiring emergency care as the blood clot may have traveled to the lungs.
After diagnosis through a blood test, venography, and ultrasound, a doctor usually prescribes medications or surgery, depending on the severity of the cephalic vein thrombosis. Mild cases of venous thrombosis can be relieved by elevating the limb, applying heat to reduce inflammation, or wearing support stockings to avoid complications. NSAIDs or ibuprofen can be taken to reduce pain and swelling, while blood-thinning medications prevent existing blood clots from getting worse and prevent new ones from forming. You may need surgery to remove a clot from your vein if it interferes with your circulation. Walking, stretching, and drinking plenty of water can help prevent thrombophlebitis from occurring.
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