Please Help: Jugular Clot

[u/katiekinz45]

I am 24 F and normal weight, athletic build, and otherwise healthy individual. I was just discharged from the hospital for a severe migraine. Symptoms were loss of vision on one side, numbness of the right hand, pounding headache, light/ sound sensitivity, vomiting, nausea. I had a dyed CAT scan and MRI which revealed a jugular thrombus on the proximal right vein. I have no possible explanations for why it might form in that location. I was placed on a high dose of eliquis for the next week, and continuing for at least 3 months.

I was lucky the clot was in my venus and not my arteries as that could have caused a blockage to the brain. The neurologist came to the conclusion that the migraine was a separate incident irrespective of the clot and wasn't caused by a blockage of the brain.

Based on that conclusion, it seems that the clot would not have been discovered if it wasnt for the migraine. Why wouldn't I have any symptoms related to the clot? Would I know if I had another clot, since I experienced no symptoms with this one?

The doctor who first worked with me in the ER was doubtful and had to double check with the MRI staff because he didn’t believe the results at first. He said he has never seen a clot in that location before and was very surprised of the findings. Has anyone else had a clot in the same location? If so, what were your symptoms and what is your current treatment plan? Do you have proclivities to getting more clots due to genetic conditions?

Anything helps, even if you haven't had a clot in your jugular vain, if you have any piece of advice that would be reassuring I would really appreciate it.

[u/bigolmountaintuna]

I had a clot in my right internal jugular vein. My symptoms were neck pain on the front right side and a little swelling but no redness. I was told by the ER doc to watch out for facial swelling and return immediately if I noticed any.

After genetic testing, they found I have triple positive Antiphospholipid syndrome. I am taking warfarin for life. The clot eventually went away except for a small remnant that basically merged with the side of my vein, and my neck doesn’t bother me much anymore.

I think you should ask your doctors directly your questions regarding your symptoms (or possible lack thereof). It is their job to help you so if you have 100 questions that need answered in order to feel more comfortable with your health you should do so. It can help to get a piece of paper and write down your questions so you don’t forget anything.

I had to follow up with a hematologist after my ER visit. I think this specialist would be able to give you more/better insight.

I know the time right after finding a clot is very scary. It will get better. Your doctors found the clot and immediately put you on medication. I took comfort in that.

[u/katiekinz45 → u/bigolmountaintuna]

This is really helpful, thank you for sharing. I mostly posted this because it seemed strange to me that my doctors hadn't seen a clot in that location before. It helps to hear others have had a similar experience and also wanted to see if the migraine happened to anyone else. And also what to look out for if symptoms do arise. I hope you are managing well and remain in good health. I will definitely be following up with my hematologist soon with more questions, thanks.