Cavernous Sinus ThrombosisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a blood clot in an area at the base of the brain.
The cavernous sinus is a structure inside the head that receives blood from veins of the face and brain. The blood drains it into other blood vessels that carry it back to the heart. This area also contains nerves that control vision and eye movements.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is most often caused by a bacterial infection that has spread from the sinuses, teeth, ears, eyes, nose, or skin of the face.
You are more likely to develop this condition if you have an increased risk of blood clots.
Symptoms include:
- Bulging eyeball, usually on one side of face
- Cannot move the eye in a particular direction
- Drooping eyelids
- Headaches
- Vision loss
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is treated with high-dose antibiotics given through a vein intravenously (IV) if an infection is the cause.
Blood thinners help dissolve the blood clot and prevent it from getting worse or recurring.
Surgery is sometimes needed to drain the infection.
Texas Health Family Care
Lalita Gupta is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine and Geriatrics in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Gupta is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. She is also highly rated in 24 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, High Cholesterol, Hypothyroidism, Nephrosclerosis, and Trabeculectomy.
Thomas Tegos practices practicing medicine in Thessaloniki, Greece. Mr. Tegos is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. He is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, Diabetic Nephropathy, Atherosclerosis, and Carotid Artery Disease.
Dragos Jianu practices practicing medicine in Timisoara, Romania. Jianu is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. They are also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. Their clinical expertise encompasses Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, Diabetic Nephropathy, Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis, and Wilson Disease.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis can lead to death if left untreated.
Contact your health care provider right away if you have:
- Bulging eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Eye pain
- Inability to move your eye in any particular direction
- Vision loss
Published Date: January 29, 2026
Published By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Nath A, Berger JR. Brain abscess and parameningeal infections. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 382.