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.
Thomas Tegos practices in Thessaloniki, Greece. Mr. Tegos is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. His top areas of expertise are Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, Diabetic Nephropathy, Atherosclerosis, and Carotid Artery Disease.
Texas Health Physicians Group
Lalita Gupta is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Richardson, Texas. Dr. Gupta is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. Her top areas of expertise are Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, High Cholesterol, Hypothyroidism, Nephrosclerosis, and Trabeculectomy.
Advocate Medical Group
Arun Narang is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Mchenry, Illinois. Dr. Narang is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Erosive Gastritis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Lung Metastases, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy.
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.
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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.