Cavernous Sinus ThrombosisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis Overview
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 (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.
Reading Hospital Neurology Suite 3020
Thomas Leahy is a Neurologist practicing medicine in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Dr. Leahy is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. He is also highly rated in 24 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Stroke, Seizures, Epilepsy, and Vertebral Artery Dissection. Dr. Leahy is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology.
University Of Virginia Dept Of Neurology
Parth Sheth is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Sheth is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Miller-Fisher Syndrome, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Chronic Polyradiculoneuritis, and Stroke. Dr. Sheth is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry & Neurology.
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: March 31, 2024
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, 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.
Chow AW. Infections of the oral cavity, neck, and head. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 64.
Markiewicz MR, Han MD, Miloro M. Complex odontogenic infections. In: Hupp JR, Ellis E, Tucker MR, eds. Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 17.
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.

