In developing countries, cerebral sinovenous thrombosis is still a common complication of pregnancy. In India, for instance, thrombosis of intracranial veins and dural sinuses is the most common cause of stroke in young women and accounts for 25 percent of matemal deaths. Most cases occur in the first 3 weeks after delivery.
Obstetric cases tend to be more acute in onset, and more self-limited than nonobstetric cases.