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 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.
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.
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.
Atrium Health Neurology Specialty Care, A Facility Of Carolinas Medical Center
Christopher Leon is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Leon is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation, Thrombectomy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Leon is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry/Neurology-Neurology and American Board Of Psych/Neuro-Vascular Neurology. Dr. Leon is currently accepting new patients.
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.
Chow AW. Infections of the oral cavity, neck, and head. In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 66.
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.

