TCM diagnosis Based on Syndrome Differentiation:
1. The disease is more common in middle-aged and old people. There may be transient numbness of limbs, fatigue and aphasia before the onset of the disease.

2. The attack often occurs in sleep, when the blood pressure is lower and blood flow is slower. A few cases may be seen after strenuous exercise.

3. Neural manifestations include central monoplegia and hemiplegia. They may be accompanied with aphasia, but are often with hemihypoesthesia and hemianopia. There may also be disphagia and disturbance of consciousness. Unilateral optic atrophy and Horner's syndrome may be present.

4. Cerebrospinal fluid examination shows no change in pressure and cell content. This can be used to distinguish cerebral thrombosis form cerebral hemorrhage. CT scanning is helpful in the determination of location and extent of cerebral necrosis.


Diagnosis in Western Medicine:
Diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis usually begins with a physical exam and a review of the patient's medical history and symptoms. A positive diagnosis of the condition is based on the patient's symptoms as well as the findings of diagnostic tests.

A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be done to detect elevated pressure inside the head as well as look for evidence of the venous blood clot (red blood cells).

Imaging tests, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) angiography, can be used to diagnose the condition and observe the area affected by constricted blood vessels. These imaging tests look at the soft tissue and blood vessels within the body and can determine if the condition is associated with a stroke or other underlying issues.

A blood test that looks an underlying cause, such as a genetic mutation or infection, may also be used.